Teaching Black Elementary Students: The Influence Of Experiences And Teacher Preparation For Pwi And Hbcu Interns On Their Understanding Of And Self-Efficacy For Culturally Responsive Teaching, Jeania N. Jones

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Teacher preparation program agendas include culturally responsive teaching (CRT) due to the student diversity in modern elementary classrooms. Overwhelmingly, White, middle-class English-speaking women who may not completely understand their students' cultural backgrounds are teachers in those culturally diverse classrooms. In schools where Eurocentric values, assumptions, beliefs, and methodologies are being taught, many students of color are not performing well academically. Black teachers and teachers with a good understanding of students' cultural experiences and backgrounds have higher expectations and counter the racial stereotypes about Black students. This multiple case study examined how two teacher interns understand Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) and …

Teachers’ Perceptions Of Inclusive Classrooms, Tamara Ann Lipson

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examined teachers’ perceptions of inclusive classrooms. The specific areas of focus were analyzed by comparing demographic characteristics of the responding teachers to survey questions from the adapted Teachers Attitude towards Inclusive Education (TAIS) in order to determine how teachers perceive inclusive classrooms, how prepared they feel to teach in inclusive classrooms, and if there is any correlation between the workload of the teachers and their perception of inclusive classrooms. Data was collected through a survey completed by 480 teachers from a large, diverse, public school district in Northeast Florida. The findings of this study indicate that these teachers …

Are High Levels Of Educator Bias Associated With The Disproportionate Discipline Of Black Students?, Melissa Ann Ramos

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Data on school discipline inequities have shown disproportionate numbers of Black students suspended and expelled compared to their non-Black counterparts. Despite the implementation of evidence-based solutions such as positive behavior supports and intervention, educator professional development, and restorative practices aimed at closing the racial discipline gap, little to no change has occurred. Critical Race Theory is used as a lens for viewing racial hierarchies as a socially constructed tool to oppress people of color. This oppression can be seen in various aspects of society and in education, especially in school discipline. It is fueled by biases, both implicit and explicit. …

Inside Collaborative Communities: Teachers' Perceptions Of The Collaborative Process, Pamela Ann Evors

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand teachers’ perceptions of the collaborative process and how it affected their classroom practices. The research question was “What are the perceptions held by experienced public elementary-school teachers in a large urban school district in the southeastern United States regarding the collaborative process in their school settings?”

The research design used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with a specific group of public elementary-school teachers who had extensive professional development and experience with the collaborative process, either in co-teaching settings or in frequent collaboration with colleagues. Using the process of educational criticism (Eisner, 1998) …

Factors Predictive Of Self-Efficacy In First Year Teachers, Jessica Leigh Hamelin

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research demonstrates that there are increased teacher burnout rates within the first 5 years of entering the field (Darling-Hammond, 2003; Skaalvik & Skaalvik, 2010; Yost, 2006). Consistent with those findings is that teacher preparation matters when conversing about recruitment and retention (Brown, Lee, & Collins, 2014). As more research is conducted in the area of teacher preparation it has become clear that teacher effectiveness is directly related to preparation (Darling-Hammond, 2010). As teachers enter their first-year teaching, philosophical stances can change, inflated beliefs about the teaching profession can be altered, and self-efficacy is influenced. Drawing from Hoy and Spero’s (2005) …

Teacher Perceptions On How To Best Support Student Well-Being In Elementary Classrooms, Elanna Beth Derby

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Elementary schools should be adept at assisting students in meeting their mental health need, such as, providing a non-violence approach to conflict resolution; strengthening the students’ relationships with their family members and friends; taking responsibility for their education and future; creating a stronger positive image; handling tough times more effectively; and setting and achieving their goals in life. The purpose of this Q methodology was to explore what teacher perspectives are on how to best support student well-being in the elementary school classroom. Specifically, this study examined what factors emerged when faculty in a large urban school district …

Content Analysis Of Conflict Resolution Curricula, Mary Smith

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Violence in schools in various forms has become recognizable. Awareness of this situation has resulted with proliferation of curricula for conflict education. The purpose of this study was to analyze conflict resolution curricula designed for five to eight year olds. The study examined three issues formulated from the review of related literature: time and space, skill building, and developmentally appropriate practices. The findings included time and physical space requirements for conflict resolution curricula, the suggested skills needed to peacefully resolve conflicts, and an evaluation of the developmentally appropriate activities in the curricula for early childhood ages 5-8.

Effects Of A Professional Development Initiative On Technology Innovation In The Elementary School, Delia Raymos Pass

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This non-equivalent group study explored the impact of teacher participation in the development and use of a web-based instructional resource on computer utilization by students. The effects of participation in the technology initiative on teacher attitudes toward computers, technology proficiency, and stages of adoption of technology were also investigated. Teacher volunteers participated in a treatment group that received a professional development intervention and a comparison or web access group (WAG) that received no professional development. The treatment, or Professional Development Group (PDG), received instruction that modeled a constructivist hands-on approach to creating technology-rich lessons based on classroom curricula and Internet …

Learning Style, Teaching Style, And Attitude Toward Change As Predictors For The Adoption Of Computer Technology By Elementary School Teachers, Bernadette C. Kelley

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the learning style, teaching style, and attitude toward change of elementary school teachers and the relationship of these variables to the adoption of computer technology into teaching and learning strategies. The researcher used four instruments to gather data about the preferred learning style, teaching style, attitude toward change, and current utilization of computer technology both personally and with students.

Survey forms were delivered to seven selected elementary schools in a Northeast Florida public school district. An educational technology survey was distributed to each of the 200 elementary school teachers in these schools. The return rate of completed …

A Curriculum Design Using Mnemonic-Type Techniques To Aid Recall In Low/Average Achievers In The Fifth Grade, Blanche Floannell Fuqua Mcmath

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Children in the Duval County School System in Jacksonville, Florida, who are low/average achievers have to compete in a multi-graded classroom atmosphere. These students are passed along supported by low minimum-based competency test scores. The purpose of this project was to show teachers how they can present mnemonic procedures to these students in an effort to help these students raise test scores, boost self-esteem, and provide a self-help study device that can aid their progress in subsequent grades, aid morale, and thus avoid potential drop-outs in the system. This curriculum design is offered in the subjects of health and science. …

Teaching Communication Skills Through Video Tape Productions, Jane R. Fleetwood

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Motivating students to learn and practice effective communication skills has always been a dilemma for teachers of all grade levels. Video cameras and camcorders are now being used as teaching tools in many schools to not only motivate students to use and practice a variety of skills, but to stimulate their creativity, as well. Loretto Elementary School in

Jacksonville, Florida, is developing a program which incorporates student-written video productions into its existing curriculum. Loretta's innovative program is a direct result of a 10-rninute informational video tape production done by graduate student Jane Fleetwood and Continental Cablevision, a local cable television …

Literature At The Primary Level Depicting A Positive Image Of The Elderly: A Bibliography, Carolyn M. Baynham

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It is the purpose of this study to compose a bibliography of primary level books and/or stories that depict a positive image of the elderly. Various procedures were used to gather selections of reading material for primary level children which portray this image. The following were the methods used for this compilation. Numerous reference books which categorize children's books under related topics were examined. Approximately thirty-five letters were submitted to various organizations which deal with the elderly population asking for information or sources regarding this topic. Letters were also sent to thirty-five randomly selected publishing companies requesting suggested literature. Several …

A Curriculum For Developing Supplemental Storytelling Activities To Enhance Reading Skills For Intermediate Students, Olivia Sarah Starling

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This curriculum was developed to assist elementary school teachers in the intermediate grades in the use of storytelling activities in the classroom. It is divided into four sections. The first two sections are addressed to the needs of the elementary students; they include activities that enhance the learning of reading, and activities that will enable the student to become a storyteller. The last two sections are directed to the elementary school teacher; they include various methods and ways for the teacher to become a successful storyteller. These activities and resources will enable the classroom teacher to incorporate storytelling into the …

Mobility As An Element Of Learning Styles: The Effect Its Inclusion Or Exculsion Has On Student Performance In The Standardized Testing Environment, Linda Miller

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mobility and the standardized testing environment. The project focused on nine students who had a pronounced need for movement while learning and/or being tested. The study was conducted to determine whether the achievement scores of these nine students would be influenced by the denial or availability of movement while they were administered a standardized reading test. Twenty-one second grade students were the subjects. Two forms of Level B of the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test were used. All subjects were tested in a traditional environment with no movement allowed. The same …

Changing Negative Attitudes Of Elementary Children Toward The Aged Through Positive Interaction And Aging Education Within The School Curriculum, Mary Emily King

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Children develop attitudes at an early age, both positive and negative. Negative attitudes toward the aged can be changed through direct contact between the elderly and through aging education within the curriculum. Children have negative attitudes toward the elderly and the aging process. Direct contact can change these views by providing interaction between children and the elderly while aging education can bring about an awareness of the aging process and of the aged. With aging being an inevitable and important part of being human, it is necessary as well as important for educators to help children develop positive attitudes toward …

A Comparison Of Practices In Grading Reading Performance And Their Underlying Philosophies And Policies For Children Reading Below Grade Level In Selected Florida School Systems, Linda Powell Ginn

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this project was to survey selected school systems in the State of Florida and to determine their philosophies, policies: and techniques for grading reading. The area of special concern was children reading below assigned grade level but up to potential. The focus of this paper was to identify reports to parents that dealt in a positive way with below grade level readers and allowed for effective as well as cognitive development. Positive aspects of current reports were pointed out and suggestions for improvement to better serve needs of children reading below grade level were made. Since most …

How K-3 Classroom Teachers Are Dealing With Pupils Coming From One-Parent Homes Due To Separation Or Divorce, Nancy Mitchell

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Kindergarten through third grade classroom teachers need professional training on how to assist pupils coming from one-parent homes due to separation or divorce. The methods that are employed by kindergarten, first, second, and third grade classroom teachers were surveyed using a questionnaire specifically designed for the study. The results of the questionnaire were presented in tables, using the raw scores. The study concludes that teachers are willing to assist pupils in this trying situation, but they feel inadequate to do so. Kindergarten through third grade teachers feel there is a need for professional training to help them be more effective …

A Curriculum Of Supplemental Activities To Promote Positive Attitudes Toward Reading In Correlation With Ginn 720, Level 10, Mary H. Campbell

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This curriculum project reviews the methods, materials, and supplemental reading activities that have been shown in the literature to be effective in developing or promoting positive attitudes toward reading and how these can be used as an integral part of the daily reading program. The major findings and some various methods and materials used to measure attitudes toward reading are also discussed. This curriculum project is specifically designed for fourth grade teachers to use in correlation with the Ginn 720 Series, Level 10. The project includes directions for developing a curriculum of activities to promote or develop positive attitudes toward …

The Cloze Procedure: A Measure Of Reading Comprehension Ability, Theresa Lorene Donaldson

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The present study was conducted in order to determine if a relationship exists between those comprehension processes measured by the Paragraph Comprehension subtest of the McGraw-Hill Basic Skills System Reading Test and the cloze test developed for this project. Two classes of undergraduate education majors enrolled in “Foundations of Performance-Based Education” were administered both the cloze test and the multiple choice comprehension test.

A correlation coefficient was computed between the summary scores on the McGraw-Hill and the summary scores on the cloze test. The results yielded a correlation of .021. These results did not support the research hypothesis.

The Effect Of Graphic And Phonemic Similarity On Syntactic Acceptability, Barbara D. Barket

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of graphic and phonemic similarity on syntactic acceptability. Ten third graders were audio-taped reading material new to them at the end of the 1982-1983 school year. The children were given no assistance. Substitution miscues were recorded and analyzed according to The Goodman Taxonomy of Reading Miscues. Statistical analyses were carried out using the chi-square procedure and contingency coefficients were computed. The results indicate that graphic and phonemic similarity are somewhat related to syntactic acceptability but the relationship is very slight. Graphic similarity appears to be more independent of syntactic …

A Curriculum To Increase Interest In Reading Using Children's Literature, Paula Forrest

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to develop a resource of techniques using children's literature which will increase interest in reading for students who have met the minimum standards of reading for their grade level. The completed curriculum is to be used in grades kindergarten through six, with a flexible time limit of thirty to forty-five minutes per day, for fifteen school days.

Study Guides: Their Effect On Reading Comprehension In Content Areas In The Third Grade, Ruth Hackenson

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using study guides in content areas of the elementary curriculum on the general level of comprehension of third grade pupils in those content areas. It appeared from the search of the literature that study guides had been little used for lower elementary students. More frequent use has been with upper elementary and high school students. A study using third grade subjects seemed to be of value for at least two reasons: one, to fill the gap and two, to discover the benefits that might accrue, or to lend credence …

Oral Reading, Silent Reading, And Listening Comprehension: A Comparative Study For Above-Average And Below-Average Readers, Rita M. Joost

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

By comparing listening comprehension to reading comprehension for above-average and below-average readers, one can come to some conclusions about where the problem resides for poor readers-whether it be lack of phonic skills or lack of general verbal competence. Because teachers need to know better where to invest their resources, investigations such as mine need to be done.

A Training Packet For Teachers And Aides At Wesconnett Elementary School, Bonnie O. Gosdeck

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Since there is a need for auxiliary personnel, then, there appears to be a need for a training program for teachers, paid aides, and for volunteers. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to formulate a pre-service, in-service, and on-the-job training program for these personnel at Wesconnett Elementary School.

Reading: A Preprimer For Parents, Cheryl Gillikin Faubion

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to plan a booklet for parents which will provide them with some background information on the reading process and methods and approaches to reading instruction, along with some specific suggestions of ways they can help their children learn to read. Also included is a teacher's supplement for directions and suggested implementation. The booklet is designed for parents of students in the primary grades who are beginning readers. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a parent-teacher conference or a small group meeting of parents and teacher. It is hoped that the meeting …

An Open Education Kindergarten Curriculum Guide, Dianne Tyus Howard

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to develop an open education kindergarten curriculum guide utilizing learning centers. This curriculum guide consists of a discussion of specific aspects of implementation of learning centers and a detailed analysis of twelve learning centers. Whether learning centers are implemented gradually, moderately, or totally, the following factors are essential to consider prior to implementation: physical environment, materials, classroom management, evaluation and record keeping, and parental involvement. The following learning centers are discussed in-depth with respect to goals, objectives, enabling activities, and materials and supplies: math, science, language arts, social studies, art, music, block building, dramatic …

Nongraded Education: A Modified Plan For Implementation In The Elementary School, Betty S. Cowan

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nongraded education differs theoretically from graded education in administrative and curricular design. The nongraded program responds to individual abilities and achievement, and groups accordingly. The graded school is organized on the basis of age and group expectation, and prescribes curriculum which equates with grade level requirements rather than ability. This project presents selected details of both graded and nongraded education and a modified plan for implementation of a nongraded program.