Education Commons^™

The Concept Of The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences And An Interdisciplinary, Arts Inclusive Curriculum: A Model For Teaching Whose Time Has Come, Loraine W. Cowe

Masters Theses

The biting critique of A Nation at Risk (National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983) caused the nation to initiate school reform on federal and state levels. The initiatives have defined education's deficiencies in meeting the needs of students in a rapidly changing, technological society. Students and the society in which they live are the premise and focus for the new outcome-based curriculum. Educators and researchers are developing new concepts of teaching that radically change the traditionally accepted curriculum, instructional delivery, and assessment. Many of these changes are based on new knowledge of the mind's capacity to function in several …

Using American Sign Language With A Direct Instruction Mathematics Program To Affect The Mathematics Achievement Of Deaf Students, Annette J. Bass

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of supplemental instruction using a scripted direct instruction program, Connecting Math Concepts (Englemann & Carnine, 1992), with four lower elementary deaf students was compared to the effectiveness of supplemental instruction in their traditional math curriculum, Mathematics Today (Abbott, 1985). A two-phase multiple baseline design across students was used. During the first phase, the students' achievement on curricula-based math probes was assessed while using the Mathematics Today as a supplement. During the second phase, the students' achievement was assessed while using Connecting Math Concepts as a supplement. The teacher presentation scripts in this program were translated into American Sign …

Multicultural Literature: The Need For Inclusion, Barbara Gripton

Masters Theses

Since Muskegon Public Schools serves a multicultural population, and since the canon of the textbooks used in the secondary language arts classes reflects neither this diverse population nor the current publications of the diverse cultures of the society, this study, in the form of a survey will show the need for the district to include literature contributed by ethnic minority writers from the American literature scene. The study shows the increasing need for such inclusion as well as offering rationale for doing so.; Finally, this paper will propose a three year pilot class, minority literature, similar to the minority history …

Writing 1: Outcome-Based Curriculum Renewal, Mark Dobrzynski

Masters Theses

As movements such as process writing and outcome-based education gained momentum in the 1980's, a void was created in many writing classes throughout the United States. In response to that void, this study provides materials for an entry level high school writing course which is philosophically consistent with the afforementioned theories. Following a brief literature review, actual course materials have been packaged, complete with an appendix consisting of student writing samples which demonstrate the success of the new course.

A Meta-Analysis Of The Relative Effectiveness Of Two Cooperative Learning Models In Increasing Mathematics Achievement, Frances Burton Spuler

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The meta-analysis compares two popular cooperative learning models, Student-Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD) and Teams-Games-Tournaments (TGT), for their relative effectiveness in increasing mathematics achievement of K-12 students. The findings of the available research were integrated to determine both the magnitude and the direction of the effects of the cooperative learning models and effect sizes were calculated. More studies comparing the TGT cooperative learning model with a traditional learning model (81% of the studies) resulted in statistically significant higher gains in mathematics achievement than studies comparing the STAD model with a traditional learning model (51% of the studies). Other measures of relative effectiveness …

Multicultural Art Across The Curriculum, Yvonne J. Delamar

Masters Theses

The arts, by nature, can lend themselves as an essential unifying force in the multicultural curricular development in our increasingly diverse classrooms. A compilation of research and investigation is presented for teaching multicultural art throughout the curriculum. The finished project includes a model for teaching multicultural art across the curriculum and a bibliography of resources.

Globalizing The Curriculum: A Workshop, Eugenia Allen-Schmid

All Graduate Projects

Globalizing the Curriculum is the design for a workshop for high school history and social studies teachers. The written project includes a description of how the workshop has actually been presented and a discussion of how it may be presented again. This workshop focuses on the following:

1. Why a global approach is important and the goals for taking this approach.

2. Problems and concerns teachers have incorporating a global approach and how these can be overcome.

3. Specific teaching strategies for globalizing the curriculum.

4. Resources available for global studies and how to access them.

Development Of A Hypermedia Database For The Elementary Classroom, Jane Pattison Brown

All Graduate Projects

A hypermedia database including selected flora and fauna in Kittitas County, Washington, was developed using HyperCard software for researching information about 400+ species. students had the opportunity to use the database in school libraries and in the author's fifth-grade classroom. The database cards accessed videodisc images where available. On the basis of limited study to date, it appears that when studying the environment, student learning was enhanced by the use of database material created by the author.

Investigating Dynamic Assessment Implications For The Regular Classroom Teacher, Timothy Kevin Enfield

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of dynamic assessment within a regular classroom instructional setting, by a classroom teacher. The results showed that while dynamic assessment was an effective way of assessing and intervening with students and revealed relevant information about the effects of teacher expectations on student efforts, its potential value for the classroom teacher relied on the assessors knowledge of, and familiarity with the specific cognitive deficits being exhibited by the students. Implications for classroom use of dynamic assessment are discussed.

Creating Supplimental Visual And Manipulative Activities For Biology, Dennis Craig Johnson

All Graduate Projects

Alternative visual and tactile teaching strategies and their educational effectiveness for students of diverse backgrounds in the life sciences were studied. Supplemental activities to traditional, commercial, science programs were found to provide many effective learning pathways to a wide spectrum of learning styles. To assist in providing additional learning approaches toward program goals, the educational theory in the literary review was applied to the formation of a set of classroom science materials. Suggestions for classroom use have been provided.

The Reading And Writing Connection: A Writer's Workshop Guide For Second Grade, Monica Louise Donovan

All Graduate Projects

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a writers' workshop curriculum guide for the second grade. The relationship between reading and writing was studied. Data was presented to support the reading and writing connection. By integrating reading and writing through the use of a directed guide, an effective educational curriculum for a writing workshop was developed. The research and results from writing samples received showed support that an integrated reading and writing program is advantageous. Implications for using a writers' workshop format are discussed.

Comparative Study Of The Extra-Curricular Activity Programs In Selected Middle And Junior High Schools In Pierce County Washington, Nancy S. Immel

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare the differences in extra-curricular activity programs of middle and junior high schools in Pierce County (WA). To accomplish this purpose a review of current literature and research regarding extracurricular activity programs was conducted. Thirty-nine selected middle and junior high schools were surveyed to determine which extra-curricular activities were offered at their schools.

A Study Skills Course For Sixth Grade Students, Joseph M. France

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed for the sixth grade classes at North Tapps Middle School in the Dieringer School district, Sumner Washington. It was designed as an exploratory class and will last one quarter or 45 school days. All sixth grade students will participate in this class during one quarter of the year. This course is broken into 7 units, with each unit being approximately five school days. The units are: 1) Time Management, 2) Study Habits Awareness, 3) SQ4R, 4) Skimming and Scanning, 5) Outlining and Note Taking, 6) Following Directions, Using Context Clues, and Dictionary Skills, and 7) Test …

An Inservice Training Handbook Of Parental Strategies For Enhancing Sudent Learning In Grade Three, Thora S. Michels

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop an inservice training handbook detailing strategies/guidelines for use by parents to enhance student learning. To accomplish this purpose a review of current literature and research regarding parent involvement in the enhancement of student learning was conducted, and selected materials and strategies utilized by teacher practitioners have been included.

Creating School Climate And Structure Which Enhances Student Learning … The Emerald Heights Model, Brent J. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

Effective school research generally shows seven correlates that lead to increased student achievement. They are: (1) safe and orderly environment; (2) climate for high expectations; (3) instructional leadership; ( 4) clear and focused mission; (5) opportunity to learn, student time on task; (6) frequent monitoring of student progress; and (7) home and school relations.

These correlates, along with school visitations, seminars, and personal interviews juxtaposed with current reform practices already in place in the Central Kitsap School District were used to develop the Emerald Heights model for increasing student learning in Kitsap County. Topics, specific programs, district support, recommendations, and …

Language Arts Whole Language Program For Limited English Proficient Students In A Self-Contained First Grade, Kathleen Mildred O'Brien

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was the development of a language arts program based on thematic units for limited English proficient students. Sample language activities are included for each unit. The contents of the project include: a review of literature related to the topics of using the whole language approach with limited English proficient students, procedures for the construction of thematic units, and an explanation of how to utilize the project. A summary with conclusions and recommendations is included.

Effective Activities For Communicative Language Teaching Of English To Japanese With Intermediate English Proficiency, Satomi Shimabukuro

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and try out five communicative activities for Japanese students with intermediate English proficiency in ESL class settings to promote their English proficiency. After reviewing the literature concerning communicative language teaching, the author describes the development, pilot-testing and feedback of the communicative activities. Finally, suggestions concerning the tested activities are given.

Using Cross-Age Tutors In Developing Language Skills In Kindergarteners, Jane Wartenbe

All Graduate Projects

This master's project provides a handbook to be used by teachers in planning and implementing a cross-age tutoring program for the purpose of developing language skills in kindergarteners. Included is a summary of research documenting benefits of such programs, featuring information on various program designs and activities and information on a pilot project conducted by the author prior to development of the handbook. The handbook includes: procedures for pairing tutors and tutees, scheduling the time, days, dates and location for tutoring sessions, training of tutors and sample lesson plans for tutors to use with their tutees.

Elementary Spanish: An Integrated Cyclical Approach, Nelly Cicilia Mclauchlan

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to produce the Spanish language component of an intermediate school's (Grades 4-6) integrated core curriculum. The Spanish language component was developed around congruent themes enumerated in a Language Arts block and integrated with other curricular areas. The themes or objective areas were outcome driven (goal oriented), core content generated (based on minimum competencies), holistic (integrated), incremental, and utililized spiralling (continuous review) and multisensory approaches. The Spanish component was structured around the key concepts of language learning called the Natural Approach of Stephen Krashen & Tracy Terrel (1983) and Total Physical Response or TPR of …

Educational Programs For School Groups Visiting The Cathedral Church Of St. John The Divine, New York City, Nancy S. Kovaleff

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper outlines three educational programs for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City. The vast setting of the Cathedral and the variety of its contents suggest a wide range of possibilities for educational programming. The programs described here are designed to meet the developmental stages and curricular needs of the three different age groups: 5-7, 6-9, and 10-13. Each program includes pre-visit and post visit activities as well as material for the actual visit to the Cathedral/ Appendices include a needs assessment for middle school groups and a resource guide for students and teachers.

Bridging The Curriculum Through Literature, Glennis Esta Mensinger

Theses Digitization Project

This project promotes the use of literature groups based around a theme. In trying to meet the requirements of the California state framework, to integrate the subjects, this project contains two thematic units. Although the themes were designed for second and third grade, the two thematic units may be used as a guide to help teachers implement the thematics teaching approach into their classrooms.

The Relationship Between Middle School Students' Knowledge Of The Concept Of Variable And The Use Of Concrete Manipulatives, Maureen E. Busta

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Algebra is a difficult subject for a number of high school students. One of the major concepts involved in the learning of algebra is the use of variables. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of concrete manipulatives on middle school students' knowledge of the concept of variable and attitudes toward mathematics.

An experimental study was conducted involving 335 students and 13 teachers. Teachers volunteered to be in the treatment or comparison group. Teachers in the treatment group were trained in the use of Hands-On Equations and used the materials in their classrooms for …

The Effects Of The Corporate, Private And Government Sectors On The History Of Art Education In American Schools, Nancy Vanderboom Lausch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of corporate America on the presentation of art education throughout the history of American public education. The needs of Industrial America forced the entry of art into the curriculum in 1870. Over the years art has been justified and offered to serve numerous ends. Art education has prepared draftsmen for industry and crafts, trained a moral citizenry, promoted creativity and self-expression and provided aesthetic understanding of the nature of beauty. As these needs evolve to the philosophic end of the spectrum the arts are perceived as less functional to the …

The Part-Time Employment Of High School Students: Relationship To School-Related Variables, Larry G. Eggink

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The majority of high school students, as many as 80%, have school-year employment prior to graduation (Steinberg, 1988). Many students who work at part-time jobs during the school year are putting in increasingly more hours, some in excess of 20 hours per week (D'Amico, 1984; Steinberg & Dornbusch, 1990). The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of the part-time employment of high school students as it relates to the following measures of academic involvement: GPA, time spent on homework, time spent in extracurricular activities, attitude toward school, classroom engagement, enrollment in math and science courses, and future …

Investigation Of The Correlation Between The Tech Prep Initiative And The Restructuring Of Curriculum In Selected Illinois High Schools, Sandra K. Ward

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the Illinois Tech Prep Initiative and the restructuring of high school curriculum in Illinois. Tech Prep is a structured sequential program which emphasizes continuity in learning, integration of academics and vocational studies with technology, context-based teaching, and completion of the program with an associate degree.

This study examined the scope and degree which Tech Prep has influenced school districts to create new applied courses, implement new applied methods of teaching, and institute a new focus on technology. A questionnaire was mailed to principals of randomly selected high schools in …

Integrating The Language Arts Into The History-Social Science Curriculum To Develop Critical Thinking In Children, Melanie Anne Barnes

Theses Digitization Project

This project has developed a resource guide that will help kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers implement an integrated history-social science curriculum that encourages children to become critical thinkers.

The Impact Of A Cognitive Strategy On Students' Composing Skills, Macon Jasper Moye

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cognitive Process of Instruction (CPOI), a cognitive strategy approach to writing instruction. An important emphasis o f the CPOI approach was a strategy designed to help students build a conceptual framework for the main idea paragraph as a means of improving composing skill.;The sample included 121 fifth grade elementary school students. Intact classes were assigned to the treatment or comparison group. The nonequivalent comparison-group design was used, and data were examined using analysis of covariance. The dependent variable was composing skill as measured by holistic and domain scoring. …

The Continuity Of Literacy Development: Kindergarten To Year 1, Lennie Barblett

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate the continuity of strategies and provisions that teachers use to develop children's literacy in kindergarten and Year 1. In two metropolitan Ministry of Education districts, 27 kindergarten and 25 Year 1 teachers completed a questionnaire concerning issues relating to literacy development in these two educational settings. From this population four teachers were interviewed to investigate areas of interest that arose from the questionnaire. The results showed that kindergarten and Year 1 teachers differed in the selection of strategies and provisions to promote literacy in young children. There was a clear delineation between …

Teaching For Conceptual Change And Conceptual Discrimination With Year 8 Science Students: An Exploratory Study Of The Topic 'Respiration', S. Morgillo

Theses : Honours

Research has shown that despite formal education, secondary and tertiary students hold a host of misconceptions about respiration. This exploratory study investigated whether a four phase conceptual change teaching strategy could overcome conceptual problems typically associated with respiration, in a Year 8 science class from a school in Perth, Western Australia. The strategy consisted of a Conceptual Awareness Phase, an Exposition Phase, a Misconception Awareness Phase and an Application Phase. Two-tier multiple choice test items used in previous studies to identify misconceptions about respiration were also used in this study, together with interviews. The encouraging results suggest that the implemented …

Educational Aspirations And Perceptions Of Health Occupation Graduates From Community Colleges, Lawrence A. Dahl

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The major purpose of this study was to investigate whether associate degree health occupation graduates perceived that the factors proposed in Dougherty's (1987) model on the continuance of education were valid. A second purpose was to profile selected characteristics of this population.

The sample consisted of licensed health care practitioners for whom an associate degree might be an entry level of preparation. The data were collected through the use of a questionnaire constructed to determine educational aspirations degree and to assess perceptions of the factors identified by Dougherty (1987). The data were analyzed using t tests and the chi-square test …