Education Commons^™

Multimodal Communication Support For Word Recognition And Literacy In Children With Language Delays, Mackenzie Elizabeth Beal

Communication Science and Disorders Honors Theses

As the definition of being literate transforms from being able to read and write to being able to decipher a variety of mediums (e.g., music, text emojis, and more!), it is necessary that curriculum is adapted to reflect these changes. This paper discusses 11 preschoolers aged 4 to 6 years with language delays and their ability to recognize one-syllable words. Two different interventions assessed word recognition. One intervention paired gestures with five words. The second intervention had participants create self-interpreted drawings for each of the remaining five words. To determine whether or not gestures and drawing were effective literacy strategies, …

Using The Edtpa As A Model For Teacher Research And Reflective Practice: An Honors Thesis, Eva Jaeger

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Teacher research engages educators in inquiry to enhance their practice, initiate evidence-based change in their classroom and become more reflective practitioners in order to best support the learning of their students’ individual strengths and needs. The edTPA is a national teaching performance assessment that determines teachers’ effective practices as they are on the cusp of entering the educational profession. Aspiring teachers must demonstrate that they are prepared to enter the educational profession with the skills and knowledge needed to help each of their individual students learn. The edTPA was completed and submitted during the high school student teaching clinical experience, …

A Limited Look At The Educational Experiences Of Black Stem Professionals From The Butler Community And Beyond, Victoria Ann Templin

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This project looks at the STEM educational experiences of Black professionals from both the Butler community and outside of it. It focuses on the perspectives of five individuals (three Butler graduates and two non-Butler graduates) interviewed via Zoom and analyzes how their experiences compare to those of other Black STEM professionals across the nation. After completing the interviews and conducting thorough background research, all data was examined. It was found that what was discussed during the interviews paralleled what was discovered in the research, such as the importance of mentors and broadening the image of what a scientist looks like. …

The Impact Of Study Abroad As It Relates To Business Students' Career Paths, Madison M. Burgett

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Business schools in the United States are continuously working to provide students with real-world experiences which will help them discern, and prepare for, their future careers. As globalization continues to increase the interconnectedness of the world, and of the companies within it, it is increasingly important that business students are globally aware and culturally competent. The aim of this study is to demonstrate that studying abroad enables business students to discern and prepare for their future careers. To demonstrate this, students and graduates of Butler University’s Lacy School of Business, with graduation years between 2012 and 2022, were surveyed. Those …

Parents And The Evolving Math Curriculum: Supporting One's Student In Elementary Mathematics, Kailyn Heather Scobie

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The current-day mathematics curriculum is evidently different from the traditional means of teaching math. Due to this, there exist disparities between a child’s math education and their parent or guardian’s math education. This thesis will present firsthand evidence on how these disparities affect a parent’s perception of current-day curriculum, the extent to which parents can support their child in their learning of mathematics at home, and will strive to attend to the needs of both the parents or guardians as well as students in supporting the learning of these new concepts and strategies. With this, the research question asks: What …

Whose Classroom Is It, Anyway: A Study Of Teacher Films' Influence On Pre-Service Teachers' Beliefs About Education, Erin Michelle Morrisey

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This research is grounded in the phenomenon of teacher socialization: through both a personal and more general lens, this research examines how pre-service teachers view themselves, the role of the media in forming these narratives pre-service teachers tell about the profession, and how these narratives influenced (and will continue to influence) our lives as teachers. Four specific archetypes of teachers portrayed in the media were constructed (Teacher as Saint, Artist, Drone, and Villain). This research studies the lived, shared experiences of pre-service teachers through a qualitative methodology called phenomenology. The process of interpreting the words and experiences of participants also …

The Benefits Of Outdoor Education And Guidelines For Implementation In An Elementary Classroom, Jacqueline Jordan

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Outdoor education can significantly improve the wellbeing of children, in regards to their mental health, emotional welfare, and physical condition. This thesis will present the existing evidence supporting the benefits of outdoor education, alongside resources and strategies that I have explored to support teachers beginning to take their students outdoors. For the purposes of this thesis, outdoor education is defined as experiential learning that takes place outdoors or focuses on learning about the natural world. The curricular resource portion of the thesis will serve as a guide for educators wanting to implement outdoor education into their classrooms. This will include …

How Is Technology Being Used To Impact Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder?, Nathaniel T. Hillebrand

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study sought to examine the use of technology to aid in social development of middle and high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, perceived impact by teachers, and potential future applications. This study reports on qualitative data gathered from surveys sent to teachers in Indiana and Ohio who worked with those students. Findings include a range of technology implementations in the classroom and an overall feeling of perceived positive impact of technology on developing social skills. The connection between adolescence and the need for focused social skill development and the future direction for research were also discussed.

Incorporating Real World Geometry Problems Into Geometry Classrooms, Heather Renee Postier

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The question posed to conduct this research was:

How do teachers incorporate real world problems into geometry classrooms?

There is no single answer to this question, but there are many answers. The research done in this literature review not only answers this question but also the question of why. The research reviewed was organized into the sections of Inquiry, Student Engagement, and Mathematical Understanding. Teachers can incorporate the real world into mathematics classrooms through inquiry, problem-based learning, and every day real world objects. Teachers should do this because it increases student engagement and leads students to higher mathematical understandings. Not …

Fir: A Close Up Look At Butler University’S Faculty-In-Residence Program, Sarah Braunstein

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study examined the variety of perspectives of having a Faculty in Residence (FIR) program on campus. The research questions framing the study were as follows: (1) What effects does the FIR program have on faculty and their families? (2) How does having a FIR program on campus affect the dynamic of residence life? (3) In what ways does having a FIR program impact student experience? The study involved interviews with a variety of on-campus personnel including the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Frank Ross III, University President James Danko, three resident assistants, and one FIR family. Additionally, this …

Reengaging Readers: How Choice Reading Promotes Lifelong Literacy, Breanna Zoephel

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

For instructional purposes, teachers often use an informal reading inventory, among other assessments, to sort students into like-ability groups. While undoubtedly beneficial in terms of planning and small group work, it appears in some classrooms that informal reading inventory (IRI) data sometimes becomes the driving force in literacy-related curricular decisions – including using IRI data to limit the books students have access to. With this observation as a starting point, this research attempts to answer the questions – What is the correlation, if any, between the text difficulty of books students self-select and the amount of reading growth they experience? …

Educating English As A New Language Students Using A Multimedia Based Approach: How Educators Can Assist Enl Students In The Mainstream Classroom, Ashley Marie Jones

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This project will delve into the realm of English as a New Language (ENL) in the mainstream classroom. The main research will be conducted in a secondary school setting, specifically a freshman level English class. This research will be based on observation and interaction with both students and educators. The main topic being explored will be the theory that ENL learners can be educated successfully right alongside their peers through the use of multimedia platforms such as images to accompany lessons, and iPad apps. The research will investigate how students are currently learning in mainstream classrooms and how this can …

Comparative Analysis Of Privilege In Relation To The School District Of Philadelphia And The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, Kathryn Battafarano

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Although public education is an option for all local residents, the variation in American public education is littered with inequalities. In particular, the School District of Philadelphia and the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District are representative of this variation. The School District of Philadelphia is located within the biggest Pennsylvanian city. The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District is a smaller school district operating in a suburban area in close proximity to Philadelphia. There are three focus areas, socio-economic levels, geographic region, and funding, which specifically constitute the differences in these school districts. The differences show how privileged educational circumstances arise. This analysis suggests that …

Defining Civic Mindedness: A Study Of The Butler Community Arts School, Emma Edick

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The term “civic-mindedness” is broad, but it relates to specific experiences and behaviors we, as citizens and members of communities across the country, live out in our daily lives. But what does the term’s definition boil down to? I conducted a study to complete my thesis for the Butler University Honors Program, starting with the question: how is “civic-mindedness” defined in our culture and in what ways do the arts, specifically, impact an individual’s development of civic-mindedness? To answer this question, I focused on the dual mission statement of the Butler Community Arts School (BCAS), which reads, “…providing quality arts …

The Prevalence Of Visual, Auditory, And Kinesthetic Senses Students With Low-Incidence Disabilities Utilize When Receiving Instruction, Elizabeth Gormley

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study sought to discover how often visual, auditory, and/or kinesthetic senses are used when students of low-incidence special education receive instruction. Low-incidence disabilities are physical and intellectual abnormalities that severely impact an individual’s ability to function independently in daily life. The research was completed through weekly observations in a classroom designed for students with low-incidence disabilities, including autism and traumatic brain injuries. Throughout the school day, it was noted whether the students reacted to the instruction using their auditory, visual, and/or kinesthetic sense. The students’ visual response was measured by marking whether the student made eye contact with the …

How Can We Teach About The Holocaust To Seven To Ten Year Olds?, Eleanor Hersh

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Teaching about the Holocaust in a school setting is a debated topic. When and how to approach and teach the subject is not always agreed upon. In this research paper and unit plan you can see how a teacher can teach the Holocaust to children aged seven to ten.

Designing And Curating A Classroom Library For Lifelong Readers, Katie Bennington

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education emphasizes the principle that the environment is a child’s third teacher. While the relationship between the teacher and the child is critical to learning, the physical classroom space plays an equally important role in the child’s educational journey. It is through intentional planning of a space from an educator that an environment can foster inquiry from a child. By using this principle as a foundation, this research attempts to answers the question- How do I create an environment that fosters literacy and an interest in books? The research conducted over the past …

Political Agendas And Education: Textbook And Geographical Impacts, Rachel Patterson

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This research project analyzed high school United States history curriculum by examining textbooks through a political lens. It questioned who makes curriculum decisions, what the goals of these policy-makers are, and what the implications of an agenda-driven curriculum are. Three textbooks were used and chosen from politically relevant states—California, Texas, and Florida. In addition to being typically “Blue,” “Red,” and “Swing” states, these states are also the three most populous states in the country, respectively. This project studied how students of American public schools learn about the history of their country through a qualitative content analysis, particularly an approach called …

Experiential Learning: An Exploration, John Santo Verdico

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

There is a problem with education in the United States. Students coast through school focused on grades, and leave school prepared for homework and controlled situations; they are not ready for the rigor and unpredictability of every day life in the real world. Studies on experiential learning show that the best way to gain professional skills and understanding is not necessarily in the classroom with a teacher, but outside the classroom with peers. Butler University's Music Industry Association (BMIA), provides such an opportunity. Producing the annual BMIA Sampler album increases students' understanding of concepts learned in the classroom and encourages …

Teacher Perceptions Of Elementary Students With An Articulation Disorder Of Varying Degrees, Morgan Lee Johnson

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The purpose of this study is to examine teacher perceptions of elementary students who have an articulation disorder. An electronic survey was given to teachers in two elementary schools within Indianapolis, and specifically, Pike Township. The teachers rated six hypothetical student profiles on competence, intelligence, and various behaviors. Utilizing a standard Likert scale, the different hypothetical student profiles yielded scores that showed how positively the teachers viewed the hypothetical students. To ensure validity, there were control student profiles with no label or other, non-speech related disorders. It was hypothesized that the profiles for typically developing students would be given the …

"I'M Just Not Talented With Languages!" The Role Of Self-Efficacy And Attribution Theory In The Foreign Language Classroom., Justice Nicolette Rioux

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

With many secondary and post-secondary institutions implementing foreign language requirements of at least two years of study of the same language, it is imperative that educators understand how to properly encourage their students so that they become motivated to complete the necessary language learning tasks. Moreover, foreign language teachers need to know how to motivate their students to continue learning the foreign language even after they have met their institution's requirements, so that the foreign language is eventually acquired as a second language by their students. In the current study, the interrelationship between achievement in the foreign language classroom and …

An Investigation Of Howard Gardner's Intrapersonal And Interpersonal Intelligence In Dance Educational Outreach Programs, Catherine Lynn Jue

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Can you remember the first time you were exposed to the arts? Might it have been in elementary school? Many schools in today's society face budget cuts to art programs since they are overlooked for their educational benefit. However, one might not even realize that these art programs, such as dance classes, can have positive effects on a student's self esteem and social interactions with others.

An alternate way for students to become exposed to the arts is through educational outreach programs. Dance educational outreach programs have been established by schools, community centers, and dance companies as a means of …

Integrating Math And Literature In The Elementary Classroom, Megan Maureen Boebinger

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Growing up, I was the student who hated to go to math class. I was not bad at math, I just could not seem to find a way to make it interesting or exciting. I had trouble understanding the purpose of math and how it was applicable to my own life. Word problems were my worst enemy; I appreciated the attempt to make math seem relatable, but never saw the use. Many of these problems involved building or buying something; topics I had no experience with in elementary school. I did not see why I needed to know the exact …

The Process And Impact Of Professional Collaboration In An Arts Integration Education, Rachel Marina Chambers

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

In the fall of 20 14, I began student teaching at Wallace School of Integrated Arts in Kokomo, Indiana. Under the guidance of my cooperating teacher, Lashaya Williams, and our co-teacher, Abigail McClure, I was given the chance to educate fifth grade students and further develop my personal understanding of authentic arts integration (AAI), which is defined by the Kennedy Center as follows: "Arts Integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives …

The Impacts Of Social Interaction On Literacy Learning, Megan Marie Donisch

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This thesis will show the importance of including social interaction in the classroom and how it can help students to develop their literacy skills. In my teaching, I intend to find a balance of direction instruction, practice and socially based interaction that best serves students. After doing this research I see that this balance will be heavily weighted by the interactive aspects. So much of what effective teachers do puts children in contact with peers or teachers. They must observe others practicing the skills of literacy if they are to learn these skills.

Teaching To The Technological Demands Of The 21st-Century Classroom, Michelle Trainor

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Learners of the 21st century are met with the need to collaborate, problem solve, critically think, and synthesize various sources of information. Simultaneously, teachers and learners are expected to utilize rapidly evolving digital technologies as tools to make teaching and learning more effective. As digital technologies become increasingly prominent in K-12 classrooms, the question becomes: in what ways are preservice teachers learning to teach to the technological demands of the 21^st-century classroom? Dr. Punya Mishra and Dr. Matthew J Koehler of Michigan State University propose the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework as a means for effective technology …

An Alternative Method: Using Novels In Mathematics To Teach The Concepts, Rachel Frances Colby

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This paper explains a research project conducted exploring the effectiveness of using the novel, The Number Devil, to teach math concepts. The effectiveness was measured by if students met the standards, if students understood the concepts, and if students enjoyed the method of instruction. The reason for conducting this research was to look at new ways of teaching mathematics due to the thought that many students dislike and do not understand math. Using novels could prove to be an effective way to vary the instruction and teach difficult concepts. To complete this research, I taught a class the math …

Using Brain Research To Aid Reading Comprehension, Mia Alyssa Claretto

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

"Does it matter to learning if we pay attention? ...You bet it does" (Medina, 2007, p. 74). Studies John Medina, Richard Mayer, and numerous others prove the more attention the brain gives to a certain stimulus results in better retention of the information due to the fact that the information is more elaborately encoded. The more attention grabbing something is, the more emotion that is involved, means the better that information is remembered. As a future teacher, this detail has many implications for me. If I want students who are learning, then I need to design lessons that invite the …

Using Picture Books To Build Common Schema In The Middle School English Classroom, Kristina Lynn Albarello

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

A single class is made up of thirty students, thirty individuals with their own experiences, knowledge, skills, beliefs, and understandings. Then, of course, multiply that by six classes a day. A middle school teacher is met with the overwhelming task every day of connecting these 180 individuals to the skill or standard they need to learn that day. Despite any teacher's best efforts to get to know his or her students, no teacher will ever be able to know exactly what each student's schema (a framework of prior knowledge that helps a person make sense of experiences) includes about a …

An Integrated Approach: Incorporating Literature And Writing Into Middle School Mathematics Instruction, Amanda Renee Huffman

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

Integrated curriculum, including integrated mathematics curriculum, is becoming more common in classrooms as teachers look for ways to improve students' understanding and performance across the board. Specifically, the presented thesis explores and reflects on the implementation of meaningful integration of literature and writing into mathematics instruction to promote students' mathematical literacy. Through carrying out an action research project involving teaching an integrated mathematics enrichment unit with the novel The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure by Hans Magnus Enzensberger and constantly reflecting and analyzing the lessons conclusions were drawn. Cross-curricular mathematics instruction can work if carried out effectively and it can …