Education Commons^™

Factors Forecasting The Effect Of Rapid Prototyping Technologies On Engineering Design Education., Jeffrey Dale Mather

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents information gathered and analyzed through an electronic internet-based Delphi Survey process. The purpose of this study is to identify a consensus of factors that might forecast the future effects of Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology on engineering design education when used for the purpose of overcoming the limitations of 2D representation of 3D space. The identification of consensus was developed from the collection of opinions from a panel of experts in RP technology.

Early adopters of emerging technologies can reduce risk through careful research, but decisions must often be made before significant quantitative data are available. Expert subjective …

Assessing A Media Discernment Course For Freshmen At Illiana Christian High School: A Case Study, William Boerman-Cornell

Master of Education Program Theses

This case study examines the effectiveness of a team-taught mass-media freshman level course on discernment of media messages, and decision-making. By means of pre- and post- course surveys of students and faculty, this study examines students' decisions about consuming mass media and how after taking the course, their media selection process became more complex, deliberate, and organized. It also examines faculty response to the course in terms of how it appears to affect the students and how it affects faculty teaching and learning.

Adult Esl Oral Reading Fluency And Silent Reading Comprehension, Kristin Lems

Dissertations

A descriptive study of second language adults studying ESL at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels in a post-secondary academic program revealed that their oral reading fluency had a significant, low-to-moderate correlation with scores on a measure of silent reading comprehension. The correlation was slightly stronger for measures of accuracy than speed, and strongest for miscue ratio. The correlation increased as proficiency level increased. Among different first language groups, the correlation was highest for Hispanic learners, and lowest for Chinese. Furthermore, all fluency measures correlated better with a listening measure than with the silent reading comprehension measure. When a system …

School -To -Home Communication In High School: Effects On Task Engagement And Homework Completion, Daniel Mcdonnell

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This quasi-experimental study examined the effects of consistent school-to-home communication on homework completion, project completion, grades, attendance, student engagement, student behavior, and student attitude toward homework. Three high school English composition teachers reported data from a sample of 121 sophomores, who completed a pre- and post-survey, the Student Survey of Homework Practices. Each teacher taught a control and treatment class in which communication with the home was increased through phone calls home and weekly notes sent home with students. The post-test analyses by group found that students in the treatment group significantly decreased the amount of homework planning they did. …

Designers' Perceptions Of Interdisciplinary Design Education., Timothy D. Dolan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The perceived value of interdisciplinary design among designers and the application of the design process was investigated. The research was designed to determine if interdisciplinary design was perceived to be beneficial to practitioners and educators. An 11-item survey was produced by the researcher and consisted of general demographic information, undergraduate education and training, and the benefits of interdisciplinary design. The sample was composed of representatives of the top 100 interior design firms of 2003 and members of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). Respondents indicated training in Architecture, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Industrial/Product Design, with Architecture and Interior Design …

Problem-Based Learning In A Fourth Grade Gifted And Honors Mathematics Class, Barbara J. Barr

All Graduate Projects

Problem-based learning was used to deliver math instruction on three different occasions. Thirty-two fourth-grade students were involved in the project. The purpose was to investigate students' attitudes towards word problems and the development of their confidence with problem-solving skills by providing differentiation through Problem-based learning. The results showed that the majority of the students perceived themselves as good problem solvers and that math in school was related to real life.

Middle School Reading: From Reluctant To Strategic Reader, Amy S. Groetsema

Master of Education Program Theses

Research shows that student attitudes towards school reading declines dramatically as students reach upper elementary grades (Mckenna, 1995), yet as these students reach middle school and high school they will be faced with increasing demands to be critical readers. Reluctant middle school readers must have reading experiences that are successful in order to change their attitudes towards reading. Reading teachers must equip their middle level students to be strategic readers in order to be prepared for the critical reading and thinking demands of middle school and high school. This means that reading instruction must be organized in a way that …

Classwide Peer Tutoring With Or Without Competitive Reinforcement: Impact On Academic Growth And Intrinsic Interest, Dale R. De Weerd

Master of Education Program Theses

This study examined the effects of Classwide Peer Tutoring on students' academic gains and intrinsic interest in two fourth-grade math classes under two conditions-c-with competitive reinforcement (CWPT + CR) and without competitive reinforcement (CWPT - CR). Extending spelling CWPT research of C. C. Cheung and S. Winter (1999), this study utilized an adapted multiplication pretest and posttest and the Attitude Toward Mathematics Scale, developed by Peterson (1978). Study results showed a lack of statistical significance regarding group differences at posttest. However, due to traditional CWPT's impact on classroom atmosphere, peer perception, and learning focus, the investigator recommends eliminating competitive reinforcement …

Analysis Of Four Current Educational Philosophies And Their Impact On Science Education: Towards A Reformed Christian Philosophy Of Science Education, Kimberly J. Karhoff

Master of Education Program Theses

This thesis analyzes four current educational philosophies: perennialisrn, progressivism, existentialism, and constructivism. Particular attention is paid to their impact on science education. Each philosophy is examined for its philosophical roots, educational theory, science education goals, science education methodology, and science curriculum. It is then critiqued in light of a Reformed Christian perspective. In the discussion, I propose a Reformed philosophy of science education.

Problem-Based Learning: Potential Application In A Hospital Setting, John Anthony Rutkowski

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has been incorporated into the curricula in many medical schools. It has also spread into schools of health sciences, nursing, public health, business and other professional education programs. The necessary for effective problem-based learning as well as the behavioral elements, which may be attributed to effective problem-based learning, are generally the characteristics that employers seek when making staffing decisions. This paper proposes that Problem-Based skills Learning is an appropriate adjunct to traditional staff development methods. Method: A group of volunteers (7) was solicited from the Respiratory Therapy staff at a University Hospital. The group participated in …

Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None: A Teacher Research Inquiry Of Teachers' Perspectives Surrounding The Context Of Professional Development, Alicia Meno

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This inquiry explored one group of teachers' experiences in an innovative professional development opportunity, known as Book Talk, and its implications for understanding and defining professional development. This study further examined professional development and its relationship with the school's organizational structure. A qualitative, teacher research methodology, with a phenomenological orientation framed this inquiry Book Talk was a site-based, teacher-directed initiative designed to break isolation and develop collegiality among teachers. The Book Talk model of professional development promoted a collaborative environment, in which teachers developed trust to share and work together to inquire about children's literature. The participating teachers recognized that …

The Curricular Practices Of Early Childhood Teachers Working In Public Sschool Primary Grades., Elizabeth Ely Brading

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little is known about the curricular practices or thinking of early childhood teachers attempting to use developmentally appropriate practices in public school primary grades. The purpose of this study was to investigate four primary grade teachers' thoughts and classroom practices, through observation, interviews, and classroom schedules. Data were analyzed following the procedures for open, axial, and selective coding as explained by Strauss (1987). All four teachers exhibited common elements: educational beliefs consistent with those of the National Association for the Education of Young Children; frustration with their school's curriculum; and the combination of a rich pattern of guidance strategies in …

Attitude Changes Resulting From A Course In Middle East History, Aaron Imig

Master of Education Program Theses

This study explored the change in high school students' cultural acceptance of Islamic peoples after a semester long course in Middle East History. Ten senior high school students in a small Christian high school were tested in knowledge, visual perception, and cultural attitudes before and after the semester course. Final data collection suggests that the population size for this study needed to be larger and more diverse. The results were not significant enough to indicate attitudes were changed over the course of the semester. There was not a positive correlation found between knowledge gained by the students and the resulting …

Problem-Based Learning: Implications For The Allied Dental Sciences Program At Jordan University Of Science And Technology, Zain A. Malkawi

Dental Hygiene Master's Papers and Projects

The purpose of this paper is to review the problem-based learning literature and recommend changes to the Allied Dental Sciences curriculum at Jordan University of Science and Technology so that problem-based learning can be incorporated into the curriculum. Characteristics of problem-based learning include students' active participation in learning, and interpersonal skills development through discussion, social interaction, collaborative teams or tutorial groups. Problem-based education encourages students to develop communication and critical thinking competencies, enhance self-directedness and ownership of their own learning, and improve, students' knowledge, and independence. For example, two courses in the current Al lied Dental Sciences curriculum, Dental Radiology …

Competency-Based Education: Implications For Curricular Development Of The Allied Dental Science Program At The Jordan University Of Science And Technology, Suhair Ref' At Obeidat

Dental Hygiene Master's Papers and Projects

Preface:

The content of this document represents a review of the best practices and principles in competency-based dental and allied dental education. This information is offered in the spirit of collegiality with the intent of improving the allied dental education in general and the dental hygiene education in particular in Jordan. Recommendations presented should serve as a basis for discussion and decision-making by all involved in the Allied Dental Science Program education and administration at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, including the Dean of the Applied Medical Sciences Department and the Allied Dental Science Program Director and Faculty.

Measuring The Environmental Attitudes Of Children In Grade 4: A Study In Clark County, Amir Khawaja

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an increased positive effect on children's attitude when they are taught about the environment in an outdoor/hands-on setting versus an indoor traditional classroom setting. The study focused on grade four students in the Clark County School District. Half of the group was comprised of students that were taught about the environment using traditional classroom learning materials while the other half consisted of students that were taught using the outdoor/hands-on approach. In order to test the results, the students were given a survey. The questionnaire created by Malkus and Musser …

A Tree Study Curriculum For Second Grade, Deborah Blankman

Graduate Student Independent Studies

A TREE STUDY: For Second Grade, was designed to give students the opportunity to experience and explore first-hand the life cycle of a particular tree in Central Park. Trees are a natural topic for young students to study. They are part of the basic life cycle here on earth. Children are familiar with them having seen or been around them since birth. In my case, because of my school's close proximity to Central Park, the students had the luxury of being able to basically go out in their own backyard any time they wanted a first hand view of what …

The Influence Of Teacher Attitude About Professional Development, Master's Degree Training, And Teacher Certification On School Performance Scores In Selected Louisiana Parishes, Kay Lynn Tettleton

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among three independent variables: teacher attitudes about professional development, earning a master's degree, and teacher certification on School Performance Scores. Independent variables included teacher attitude about professional development, proportion of teachers with masters' degrees, and proportion of certified and uncertified teachers. The researcher used a correlational design to test the hypothesized relationships among these three independent variables and school and district School Performance Scores. A ten item self-report instrument was constructed to assess teacher attitudes about professional development in the school or district. This instrument, Teacher Perception of Professional Development …

A Case Study Of Reading Education For Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, John Arthur Sargent

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate The Achieve Reading Curriculum, a reading curriculum based on whole language principles designed for middle school students with learning disabilities. A qualitative intrinsic case study was conducted using four sixth grade middle school students with learning disabilities as participants. Ethnographic methodology was used to focus on the multifaceted structure of classroom life and to acquire a thorough understanding of the connections between participants and teacher. A teacher as researcher approach facilitated insights on a daily basis due to the interaction between participants and teacher.

Data collection procedures included observations/field notes, teacher journal, …

Effects Of Block Scheduling And Specific Demographic Factors On Teacher Job Satisfaction Among Small Secondary Schools In Arkansas, Brenda Jared Holder

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of block scheduling, as well as the effects of specific demographic factors, on teacher job satisfaction. All 25 of the 82 size AA schools in Arkansas which use block scheduling were asked to participate, and a systematic sampling of every third traditional schedule AA school yielded 27 schools with which to compare results. Of these 52 schools, teachers in 22 block scheduled schools and teachers in 18 traditional scheduled schools participated, yielding a total field of 601 respondents. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was administered to teachers at each participating secondary …

A Study Of The Implementation Of Character Education, Learning Environment, And School Performance Scores In Selected Parishes In Louisiana, Cynthia Ford Pilcher

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate two sets of relationships: the relationship between character education and learning environment, and the relationship between character education and School Performance Scores in 17 elementary schools located in five public school districts in northeast Louisiana. Principal and teacher (K–6) respondents completed a 15-item questionnaire designed to measure their perceptions of the level of implementation of character education in the school setting and a 15-item questionnaire assessing perception of the learning environment. Data from surveys completed by school personnel were gathered to allow analyses by school, grade level taught, number of years experience, …

Role Of Explicit Teaching Of Cognitive/Metacognitive Reading Strategies To Improve Reading Comprehension At The Elementary Level, Sheila R. Deboer

Master of Education Program Theses

This paper presents a summary of selected research on teaching cognitive and metacognitive reading strategies and their correlation to improved reading comprehension at the elementary level. It also reviews instructional programs, and describes implications for teaching. Study findings indicate that explicit teaching of cognitive/metacognitive reading strategies are effective in improving reading comprehension for students at the elementary level.

Expressivist Pedagogy In The High School English Classroom: A Handbook For Curricular Integration, Michel Beth Pola

All Graduate Projects

Research in the area of written composition concludes that individuals learn about themselves, about their subject matter, and about their community through the process of writing. Expressivist pedagogy encourages writing as a process and utilizes writing as a way to shape meaning. It places high value to the writer's sense of self and the writer's ability to create change in the community. A review of related research and survey of current best practices in the secondary language arts setting led to the development of an expressivist-based resource toolbook. This resource book was designed for teachers to help integrate expressivist pedagogy …

Emergent Writing Practices For A Kindergarten Classroom: A Handbook For Kidergarten Teachers, Tori Lyn Bennan

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid in the design of a kindergarten writing program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing kindergarten writing curriculum. The handbook consists of four main content areas of discussion regarding current writing practices used in a kindergarten writing curriculum: Writer's Workshop, journals, partner writing, and parent involvement. Each section consists of a brief definition of the term and five distinctive lesson plans implementing the above practices. Current literature and research regarding the topic of young children's development in writing were explored.

An Interdisciplinary, Teaming Approach To History And English Instruction At The Secondary Level, Miles J. Caples

All Graduate Projects

The relationship of integrating history and English objectives to enhance student achievement was studied. A model curriculum has been developed to connect U.S. History and American Literature content. Research has been obtained that indicates improved student learning when subjects are integrated in a relevant fashion. Secondary schools using interdisciplinary curriculum are showing improved GPA's, attendance and standardized test scores. Secondary teachers must align their daily lesson plans and assessments with the state essential learning's in both the history and language arts area.

A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny

All Graduate Projects

A literature review was conducted to illustrate that there is an achievement gap in education between minority and white students. Probable causes contributing to the achievement gap and possible solutions to the gap were studied. The knowledge that high standards, a challenging curriculum and good teachers (Haycock, 2001), increases student achievement of minority students, inspired a project geared toward providing teachers with strategies to support minority students with learning difficulties in the area of reading. A model reading strategy guide featuring reading strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners was developed for presentation to Springbrook Elementary School. The guide …

A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Teaching concepts in science that incorporated different science disciplines were studied and placed into practice at Tahoma Junior High School, Maple Valley, Washington. This form of integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated science model unit detailed river systems and the many different sciences that play a role in creating the river environment we see daily. Research showed students learned as well if not better in integrated science classrooms when compared to students who fulfilled the traditional sequence of science classes. Moreover, brain research …

A Practical Guide Using A Variety Of Instructional Methods For Teaching Reading To Gifted Students, Melissa Caveness

All Graduate Projects

Gifted students spend most of their school day, if not all, learning in the regular classroom. Often, this environment is not conducive to their learning needs, and there is a lack of readily available supplemental materials that teachers can use to meet the needs of the gifted students. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to create a handbook that provides different strategies for teachers to use when teaching gifted students in the regular classroom. The project contains five thematic units that incorporate and utilize literature and comprehension strategies. This project first focuses definitions and identifiers of gifted students academically …

William Blake: An Integrated Teaching Approach, Shawn C. Gaspaire

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to explore the usefulness of providing integrated curricula in today's contemporary classroom. The literature review illustrates that integrated approaches to teaching improve classroom engagement rates, retention, and skill level across grade levels when compared to non-integrated environments. A tenweek model using William Blake as a catalyst is presented. The integrated approach using Blake incorporates history, English, the arts, vocational arts, communication, and the technologies. Implications of integrated curriculum and William Blake are discussed.

Using Literature Circles To Teach Comprehension Strategies To Low-Achieving Middle School Readers, Rachel Grace Gossett

All Graduate Projects

Discussion is an integral part of our society and a natural way for students to learn. When discussion is brought into the classroom, students are able to use their background knowledge to create their own meaning and take their thinking to a higher level. Because of these attributes, discussion of reading material in the classroom leads to a greater comprehension of what was read and opens more doors for learning more strategies to increase reading ability. The teacher's role changes from being the one with all of the answers to a member of the group looking for the meaning. Teachers …