Education Commons^™

Investigating Recommended Language Instruction Of Complex Literary Texts: A Content Analysis Of Close Reading Lesson Plans For Elementary Grades, Michelle Flory

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Expectations have been placed upon elementary teachers from the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts to guide students through close readings of informational and literary texts. This content analysis examined online close reading lesson plans to determine common objectives in elementary close reading lessons using literary text and to delineate which aspects of language are recommended for close reading instruction. Lessons for primary and intermediate grade levels were stratified and highlighted which instructional moves and student tasks are recommended for making complex language in texts more comprehensible. Key findings indicate a lack of alignment in lesson planning between …

An Assessment Of Self-Determination Skills In Transition-Age Students With Disabilities Following Instruction Using The My Transition Portfolio Program, Eliza Jex

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The successful transition for students with disabilities into adult roles and activities post high-school, including employment, participation in postsecondary educational opportunities, and inclusion in social activities, continues to be a challenge for these individuals. Research has established that the development of certain skills earlier on can support students with disabilities in making a successful transition into these adult roles. The development of self-determination skills is one such practice. There is a need in the field of education to further research in programs that are available for teachers in providing instruction in self-determination skills. This study sought to establish research on …

Common Themes Associated With Teacher-Identified Obstacles To Implementing Change In Mathematics Instruction Attributable To Participation In Mathematics Professional Development, Ronald A. Twitchell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study had three purposes: first, explore any common phenomenon of secondary mathematics teachers’ experience in secondary mathematics professional development (MPD); second, determine if there were positive changes in teacher attitudes after completing secondary MPD; and finally, if a positive change in teacher attitude was identified, describe the shared experiences in secondary MPD to in a way that cannot be revealed through ordinary observations. It was the intent of this study to identify positive changes in teacher attitudes not to measure their magnitude. This study implemented a mixed methods design using descriptive statistics and categorical analysis on data from pre- …

Scaffolding Improvement In Writing Instruction: An Action Research Project, Kristine W. Miller

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Research has demonstrated students may improve their writing ability when cognitive strategies are demonstrated for them in clear and explicit ways as they observe and participate in writing events directed by knowledgeable writers, particularly when these events are followed by opportunities for independent writing. Carefully crafted scaffolding with abundant amounts of oral interaction such as that in Read’s IMSCI model that includes inquiry, modeling, shared writing, collaboration and independent writing, can give students the needed support to develop skills essential to quality writing. An informational genre unit was developed with seven specific lesson plans focusing on the five elements in …

Explicit Instruction Elements In Core Reading Programs, Angela R. Child

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Angela R. Child at Utah State University conducted a content analysis study aimed at describing the inclusion of seven explicit instruction elements, namely, direct explanation, modeling, guided practice, independent practice, feedback, discussion, and monitoring, found within five widely published core reading programs (CRPs). These seven elements of explicit instruction will be sought in essential reading component lessons which include: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension only.

The study sought to describe the instructional recommendations found within the CRPs lessons to benefit society by; aiding educators in the selection of a CRP for their school or district; assisting classroom teachers …

Research Into The Utility Of Standards In Foreign Language Instruction: A Case Study Of Methods Used In The High School Setting, Paul S. Kirby

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Given the increased emphasis on language acquisition in public education, and in university, government, and military settings there will be an increased focus on the
language classroom. My goal in this study was to investigate how five foreign language instructors in the Salt Lake metropolitan area perceived and implemented the national standards disseminated by the American Council for the Teachers of Foreign Language (ACTFL) known as the five Cs. These standards have also been adopted by the Utah State Office of Education (USOE). A broadened understanding was achieved through analysis of structured interviews, direct observation of foreign language instructors, evaluation …

Fluency Instruction In Contemporary Core Reading Programs, Brady E. Donaldson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Core reading programs (CRPs) provide the curriculum and guide reading instruction for many classroom teachers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of reading fluency instruction in current (2008-2011 copyright) grade 2 and 3 top-selling core reading program lessons to answer the following two research questions: (1) How do core reading programs recommend that fluency skills be taught? (2) How do reading fluency instructional practices in core programs compare to evidence-based reading fluency instructional practices defined in current research? The results of the analysis revealed that fluency instruction is more prevalent in current core reading programs …

Testing The Efficacy Of Merrill’S First Principles Of Instruction In Improving Student Performance In Introductory Biology Courses, Joel Lee Gardner

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One learning problem is that public understanding of science is limited. Many people blame at least part of the problem on the predominant lecture approach for students' lack of science understanding. Current research indicates that more active instructional approaches can improve student learning in introductory undergraduate biology courses. Active learning may be difficult to implement because methods and strategies, ranging from in-class collaborative problem-solving to out of class multimedia presentations, are diverse, and sometimes difficult to implement. Merrill's First Principles of Instruction (hereafter referred to as "First Principles" or "First Principles of Instruction") provides a framework for implementing active learning …

What Classroom Observations Reveal About Primary Grade Reading Comprehension Instruction Within High Poverty Schools Participating In The Federal Reading First Initiative, Rebecca S. Donaldson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Reading comprehension is one of the most critical academic skills to be acquired in school; therefore, the comprehension instruction provided by teachers is of utmost importance. This study examined 3 years of classroom observation data to describe the comprehension instruction provided by kindergarten through third-grade teachers who were participating in the federal Reading First reading reform initiative within 22 high-poverty Title I schools located in rural, suburban, and urban school districts in one western state. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to analyze data collected during 325 three-hour observations of classroom literacy instruction to identify both the quantity and …

The Effects Of A Self-Evaluation Package On The Presentation, Praise, And Error Correction Skills Of Special Education Teachers, Patsy Ann Milligan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Previous research has shown that various forms of self-evaluation improve teachers' instructional skills. Common among all studies reviewed is the importance of explicit pedagogy linked to improved student outcomes and clear instruction on how to self-assess. Both of these appear critical to sustained change in teachers' behaviors. In this study new teachers were provided initial didactic instruction to improve their presentation skills, praise rate, and error corrections. In addition, the effects of self-evaluation of targeted skills were assessed with one teacher. All three teachers mastered the targeted skills. Two teachers mastered the skills immediately following didactic instruction and practice in …

The Effect Of An Ambient Olfactory Intervention On Time-On-Task And Performance During Participant Interaction With An Electronic Flashcard System, Aaron J. Loewer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to measure the influence of an ambient peppermint aroma on participants' time-on-task and performance while using FACTOR, an open-source e-Learning application. I proposed time-on-task was moderating between olfactory stimulation and performance.

A 2x2 research design measured interaction of group (nonscented, scented) and gender of participants (N = 65). The learning content consisted of 28 African countries. Two methods for measuring time-on-task were employed: participant self-report at six learning intervals, and second, video recordings captured by, and stored on each participant's computer.

Independent samples t tests were used to measure group and gender differences …

Differentiated Spelling Instruction: A Theoretical Approach To Instruction, Amanda Gibson

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Research has been conducted to determine the best method of teaching spelling instruction. Several studies have concluded that differentiated spelling instruction is the best method to teach spelling. In this type of instruction, the teacher determines the students' spelling level and then delivers spelling instruction based on their spelling level. To test this theory of instruction I conducted my own study using fourth grade students. I determined that differentiated instruction improves students' spelling by providing instruction that is specific to students' ability level and needs while offering high-quality instruction.

I compared two groups of students in my study. With the …

Discussion As Exploration And Its Effects In An Elementary Reading Class, Michael E. Cena

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Discussion as exploration has been proposed as an instructional paradigm for use in high-school literature instruction. Its proponents have explained that using it fosters an aesthetic literary environment. For the purpose of study, the paradigm was modified for use in an elementary fifth-grade reading class. A month-long investigation was conducted to explore the effects of using the paradigm, concerns an elementary teacher had as she implemented it, and its effects on participating students' literary stances. Research methodology included participant-observation, surveys, and a single-subject phase withdrawal component. Results of the study confirmed that (a) students were capable of using discussion as …

An Expert System To Train Secondary Special Education Teachers In Language Arts Instruction, Elizabeth Shafer Martindale

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Writing, a complex organizational process that makes excessive attentional demands, can be frustrating for handicapped students. These students seldom complete a finished written product because t he y are usually trying to master the mechanical aspects of writing . Teaching the secondary-aged student with learning problems to use and unify writing skills into a finished product may be an initial step in helping them acomplish more difficult writing tasks.

The purpose of this Research and Development (R & D) study was (a) to develop and validate an expert system which suggests teaching and management strategies for special education teachers and …

Individualized Instruction And The Utah Secondary Business Instructor, Don R. Hender

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Lloyd K. Bishop has stated that individualized instruction has been one of the most predominant themes in education for over a decade. Individualized instruction places as its central focus the welfare of the individual. All other elements are molded to facilitate the development of the individual.

One of the early outstanding presentations of this theme was that of Jean Jacques Rousseau in his immortal 'Emile'. The significance of the individual was one of the pervasive themes during the establishment of the United States of America. The welfare of the individual is one of the most prominent themes of government and …

A Comparison Of Two Methods Of Teaching A Remedial Mathematics Course At The Community College, James C. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Problem

This study was concerned with the effectiveness of two different programs for teaching remedial mathematics to community college students. An individualized instruction program, making use of independent study and the small group setting, was compared with the traditional lecture-textbook instruction program to determine if there existed significant differences in (a) the rate of attrition, and (b) mathematics performance. A secondary objective was to determine if significant differences existed between students enrolled in remedial mathematics classes at 9 AM and those enrolled at 12 Noon.

Method

The target population consisted of all students in fourteen community colleges in the Los …

Recommendations Regarding The Instruction Of Fluid Power In Utah, Ronald C. Baker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The fluid power systems equipment industry has shown a 117 percent growth from 1957 to 1968.

This impressive growth rate is critically affected by a shortage of competently trained workers.

The needs of selected Utah industries for trained personnel in fluid power were studied, and the results were projected from the sample to the state of Utah.

The skill levels most in demand were skilled, two-year technician, and semi-skilled.

Industries indicated that training to meet their needs could be conducted by on-the-job training, inplant schools, special schools, adult education programs, vocational high school programs, tow-year vocational school programs, two-year university …

The Use Of Programed Texts For Remedial Mathematics Instruction In College, Charles C. White

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Many universities and colleges have a considerable number of students enroll whose entrance examination scores indicate deficiencies in high school and pre-high school mathematics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of programed texts, as compared with conventional procedures, for teaching basic mathematics to remedial mathematics students. The effects of mental ability, study skills and attitudes on achievement through the use of programed texts also carne under investigation.

For one quarter an experimental group of 73 subjects used a set of three linear programed texts for their sole mode of instruction in mathematics. A control group of …

Retention Of Conservation Acquired By Instructional Methods, Eight Months After Termination Of Instruction, Wenden W. Waite

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study attempted to determine if subjects that had been instructed in the principle of conservation, maintained conservation after termination of instructions. Using subjects from kindergarten to third grade that had received instructions by use of both concrete example and mental imagery methods. Those S's that received instructions were compared with S's that had received no instructions. A test of conservation was administered to a total of 96 S's approximately eight months after termination of instructions to determine if the scores received on a test of those students that had received instructions exceeded those S's that had not received instructions. …

Team Teaching In Secondary School Science: Techniqeus In Large And Small Group Instruction And The Use Of Para-Professionals, Berlin C. Jensen

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In team teaching there are considerations that are basic to conducting a successful learning experience. In large and small group instruction certain techniques are used that can reduce the tension and anxiety of the team teacher. Just how these techniques are used will vary for the individual team teacher. How to secure and use para-professionals are also basic considerations in a team teaching program. According to this survey certain techniques can be effectively used in large groups (1). The school plant itself has undergone a remarkable change, Newly constructed schools can now accommodate larger and more effective classes, or the …

An Evaluation Of Swimming Abilities Of The Freshman Men Of Utah State Agricultural College, Rollo J. Morris

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study is to attempt to determine and evaluate the swimming abilities of the male freshman students of the Utah State Agricultural College. A method of classification will be used to determine and evaluate the swimming abilities of these students. It is assumed that a check list can be used to determine swimming abilities. The method of determining the swimming abilities will be of value as a quick way of classifying entering students. The classifications will be valuable as bases for swimming instruction.

A Study Of The Need For Supervision Of Instruction In The High Schools Of Utah, Caseel D. Burke

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Supervision of instruction, in the schools of the United States, has developed through a long and arduous process to the position where it is today considered by our leading educators to be a vital part of the educational system. It has been used in varying degrees of intensity as a tool in helping education to achieve its goals, but seldom has it been utilized so energetically and so skillfully as to produce the best possible results. There is considerable evidence, that supervision, with its resultant beneficial effects, has been applied less vigorously in the secondary schools than it has in …