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Full-Text Articles in Education
Skills Acquired Through Personal Narrative Writing Instruction, Samantha J. Martin
Skills Acquired Through Personal Narrative Writing Instruction, Samantha J. Martin
Education Masters
This study was focused on personal narrative writing instruction in the elementary grades. The purpose of this study was to determine the skills that students acquire during personal narrative writing instruction. The study was conducted in a rural fifth grade classroom and included six students of varying ability levels as well as the classroom teacher. samples. Data was collected through classroom observation, interviews, and student work The results of this study suggested that personal narrative writing instruction teaches students how to effectively organize a writing piece, include proper mechanics, vary word choice, and how to edit and revise. Educators need …
Series Books And Their Effect On Reader Development, Dana Randisi
Series Books And Their Effect On Reader Development, Dana Randisi
Education Masters
This study was conducted to determine the impact that series books have on developing reading skills and motivation. Data was collected through interviews with three teachers, observations of three secondgraders‟ book choices, and analysis of three different book series. The data showed that book series are widely read across grade levels and are useful in developing comprehension and fluency skills. The study implies that book series can provide many benefits to developing readers, but that it is important to use the appropriate level of book with each reader to prevent higher-level readers from holding themselves back. The research also shows …
How Are Elementary Teachers Utilizing Technology To Enhance Their Instruction Of Literacy In The Classroom?, Alissa B. Hawkins
How Are Elementary Teachers Utilizing Technology To Enhance Their Instruction Of Literacy In The Classroom?, Alissa B. Hawkins
Education Masters
This study examined how elementary teachers used technology to enhance literacy instruction in the classroom. Research was conducted by observing and interviewing both teachers and students in two classrooms, one a blended 3rd/4th grade classroom and the other a 4th grade classroom, on how technology is utilized in the classroom for literacy instruction. The findings showed the use of technology to be highly beneficial for elementary students. The students demonstrated an increase in motivation, attention and engagement. The benefits provided by technology allow students to participate more fully in the educational opportunities of the 21st century and helped students gain …
Ipod Touch For Literacy, Rafael Chamberlain
Ipod Touch For Literacy, Rafael Chamberlain
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of using an iPod Touch with literacy learners. Research was conducted in the households of four early elementary students as they used an iPod Touch for recreational and literacy activities. Data was collected through interviews, preand post-testing, and video analysis of student interaction with the iPod Touch. The findings showed the students were capable of independently using the iPod Touch and were engaged when using it. In order to access the educational potential of the iPod Touch, educators must understand that the it is a tool which requires carefully and conscientiously software selection based on …
The Home Literacy Environment And Kindergarten Literacy Skills: A Case Study, Michele Izzo
The Home Literacy Environment And Kindergarten Literacy Skills: A Case Study, Michele Izzo
Education Masters
This study was completed to determine the effects of the home literacy environment on three areas of literacy development: phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and concepts about print knowledge. The research was conducted as a case study. Data was collected through interviews, checklists, and a series of literacy assessments. The data shows that a literacy-rich home environment contributes to successful acquisition of emergent literacy skills. Through the review of the literature and the findings of this study, three themes emerged: the value of books in the home, parent teaching of literacy skills, and the involvement of the family in literacy activities.
The Benefits Of Podcasting In The Literacy Classroom, Stephanie Pignato
The Benefits Of Podcasting In The Literacy Classroom, Stephanie Pignato
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of podcasting in the literacy classroom and beyond. The research was conducted in a small tutoring session, comprising of two high school students. During the study, participants listened, viewed, and created podcasts. Data was collected and analyzed through means of observation, student work samples, and personal interviews. The findings suggest that there are many benefits to be had for educators who incorporate podcasting into daily instruction. Increased motivation and engagement, building a sense of collaboration and community, capturing authentic learning experiences, and strengthening student writing skills are some of the benefits that podcasting lends itself …
Guided Reading Strategies For Reading Comprehension, Nicole Richardson
Guided Reading Strategies For Reading Comprehension, Nicole Richardson
Education Masters
When students struggle with reading comprehension they are at a severe disadvantage. They do not retain what has been read and eventually become dissuaded by reading altogether. The purpose of this action research was to discover which guided reading strategies should be implemented to help develop comprehension skills. comprehension. Educational professionals and theorists have determined that focused intensive instruction of reading strategies will improve reading The methods used in this study included pre-reading strategies, during reading strategies, and post-reading strategies specifically modified to improve comprehension. Over the course of eleven weeks multiple lessons and activities were tailored and implemented to …
The Benefits Of Reading Aloud To Children In Grades 5 And 6, Latoya Crockton
The Benefits Of Reading Aloud To Children In Grades 5 And 6, Latoya Crockton
Education Masters
This study examined closely the benefits of reading aloud to 5 th and 6 th grade students. Research was conducted in a 5 th grade regular education classroom as well as a 5 th and 6 th grade selfcontained classroom. Data was collected through classroom observation, teacher, parent and student surveys and short answer comprehension questions. The findings show that parents and teachers both enjoy reading aloud to their children. It was also found that primary teachers read aloud to their students more than intermediate teachers. Students were also able to utilize the necessary comprehension skills such as inferencing, predicting, …
Closing The Gap Brain Based Teaching And Learning Techniques, Cheryl Newton
Closing The Gap Brain Based Teaching And Learning Techniques, Cheryl Newton
Education Masters
Brain based teaching and learning strategies have been presenting themselves at an increasing rate within our school systems. Educators need to focus on at-risk and special education students and identify strategies that are effective with these populations. Two African American special education students attending school at an urban school within the Rochester City School District participated in using brain based learning techniques. students‟ learning. Movement and discussion proved to have a positive impact on the Changes in the appearance of the classroom may have also had a positive effect on student learning. Activities including movement and discussion should be utilized …
Factors That Influence Students' Motivation To Read Across Grade Levels, Kathrine Torres
Factors That Influence Students' Motivation To Read Across Grade Levels, Kathrine Torres
Education Masters
The purpose of this short term study was to determine the factors that affect students‟ motivation and how they differ across grade levels. This study focused on three students in grades first, third, and eighth, and the factors that influence their motivation to read. Data was collected through teacher and student interviews, observations, and student questionnaires that assessed students‟ reading motivation. The findings show that these students not only read for different reasons, but also display different levels of motivation and behaviors during reading activities. Another major finding was that giving students choices and allowing for group discussion motivates students. …
Motivating Students To Read Through Project Based Learning, Kelly Walsh
Motivating Students To Read Through Project Based Learning, Kelly Walsh
Education Masters
This study examined how Project Based Learning (PBL) motivated students to read content area texts. Data was collected though observations, student questionnaires, recordings of student presentations, and student created artifacts. The data shows that students were motivated to read content area texts because they were allowed to work collaboratively and given choices through PBL. Not only were students more motivated to read, they also used a variety of literacy skills such as comprehension and discussion throughout the process of creating their projects. The data also shows that students worked together and problem solved to successfully complete their projects. Teachers who …
Using Online Content Creation Technology With Struggling Readers, Alexandra Schenk
Using Online Content Creation Technology With Struggling Readers, Alexandra Schenk
Education Masters
This study examined how online content creation technology improved literacy skills of eight struggling readers in a suburban middle school. All students showed improvement in comprehension as a result of using this technology. Data was collected through observations, teacher interviews, and student questionnaires. The findings showed the importance of student choice and the use of technology as an intrinsic motivator in the classroom. The data also showed the students need for peer collaborations and discussion in order to confidently comprehend a text. Teachers must incorporate these strategies in order to foster self-confidence in students’ literacy skills.
Balanced Literacy In The Classroom: Teacher Perception And Implementation Of The Balanced Literacy Framework, Nicole Froniear
Balanced Literacy In The Classroom: Teacher Perception And Implementation Of The Balanced Literacy Framework, Nicole Froniear
Education Masters
This study was completed to determine how teachers define balanced literacy and how they implement it into their classroom. The study was conducted in three first-grade classrooms, and data was collected through teacher interviews, classroom observations, and environmental checklists. The data shows that teachers implement balanced literacy in different ways yet still meet the necessary components. Through the review of literature and the findings from this study, three themes developed: the individualization of balanced literacy, a variety of ways of implemented balanced literacy, and a need for professional development for teachers.
Classroom Weblogs And Wikis How They Affect The Learning Experience With Intermediate Students, Amy Fitzsimmons
Classroom Weblogs And Wikis How They Affect The Learning Experience With Intermediate Students, Amy Fitzsimmons
Education Masters
Embedding technology into the education setting is imperative to students‟ success . In this study, twenty fifth grade students utilized a classroom wiki (website) and responded to literature via Readers‟ Blogs . The affects of using the wiki and blog were revealed from analysis of the students‟ blogs and comments made to them, discussion pages, and the student questionnaire responses. Overall, students felt that the ability to communicate via the wiki was enjoyable and beneficial to their understanding of topics. Students reported the need for more feedback on their Readers‟ Blogs and felt that peer communication was “useless” or “bad.” …
The Home Environment And Its Impact On Literacy Development, Amy Sawyer
The Home Environment And Its Impact On Literacy Development, Amy Sawyer
Education Masters
Due to the understanding that literacy development is based on an individuals discourse, and is acquired through social interactions with others it is essential to look at literacy acquisition through the perspective of the home environment. How does a child’s home environment impact the development of a child’s literacy acquisition? By studying the home life of five student participants and five parent participants, it became clear that parents are the greatest influence on a child’s ability to read and write. Inevitably, there is a continued link between home and school and teachers must take this knowledge and help support parents …
Let The Sounds Be Heard Phonemic Awareness Of The Emergent Reader, Ann Marie Evans
Let The Sounds Be Heard Phonemic Awareness Of The Emergent Reader, Ann Marie Evans
Education Masters
The purpose of this study was to see how the strategies of phonemic awareness develop the Emergent Reader’s reading ability. The students’ level of phonemic awareness varied among blending, segmentation and sound deletion. Data was collected through observations teacher and student one-to-one conferencing, and interviews with the literacy coach and speech pathologist. The findings showed that there were three specific behaviors of phonemic awareness: sound identification, repetition, and application of strategies in reading. The results indicated it is essential that students acquire phonemic awareness skills to develop their reading ability. Students need instruction and/or intervention from trained teachers to support …
Complex Communication Needs Augmentative And Alternate Forms Of Communication, Christine Teddy
Complex Communication Needs Augmentative And Alternate Forms Of Communication, Christine Teddy
Education Masters
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of augmentative and alternate forms of communication such as Picture Exchange Communication Services (PECS), assistive technology and Sign Language have on students with complex communication needs. Data collection consisted of observations, interviews, analysis of past speech and language reports on an individual student. Findings were the following: positive impacts of augmentative and alternate forms of communication, negative impacts and consistency among adults with expectations for students. The results indicated that augmentative and alternate forms of communication allow students the ability to communicate by giving them a tool to express themselves. …
Methods That Benefit Emergent Readers In Learning And Applying Sight Vocabulary In Context, Megan Mcelheran
Methods That Benefit Emergent Readers In Learning And Applying Sight Vocabulary In Context, Megan Mcelheran
Education Masters
Learning sight vocabulary is fundamental for all emergent readers as they are entering kindergarten and first grade. The question is what is the best way to go about teaching these words? This action research project looks at different methods of learning and applying sight words in context. The study’s methodology focused on observing two students using two strategies from the literature reviewed, the copy, cover, compare, and incremental rehearsal strategies, to determine application of newly taught words. The findings suggest that there were three reoccurring themes that were interrelated and interconnected: self-correcting, applying words in context, and self-reflection. This study …
Decoding, Deciphering, And Applying Skills: Increasing Understanding On Mathematical Word Problems, Brenda Seely Wright
Decoding, Deciphering, And Applying Skills: Increasing Understanding On Mathematical Word Problems, Brenda Seely Wright
Education Masters
Students often struggle with math word problems for a variety of reasons. They have difficulty with vocabulary used, the amount of information given and how to decipher what to do with that information, or how to make the connections from the words to the mathematical skill. For this research, data was from the feedback of two secondary students who used three different types of graphic organizers to work with three different word problems taken from New York State Integrated Algebra Regents exams. The students were given the opportunity to create their own graphic organizer including the sections that they liked …
Judging A Book By More Than Its Cover Examining The Influences On The Independent Reading Choices Of Middle School Students, Megan Bowen
Education Masters
This study examined the influences on the independent reading selections of adolescents in a rural middle school. Data was collected through student and teacher questionnaires, analyzing students’ independent book projects, and reviewing data from the school library. The findings showed that adolescents’ book choices are influenced by genre, subject interest, peer and adult recommendations, series books, and the cover. This research indicates that teachers should discover their students’ interests, have a wide selection of books in their classroom library, allow time during class for peer book discussions, and display books so that the covers are visible to create a positive …
What Are The Benefits Of Blogging In The Elementary Classroom?, Chelsea Lamonica
What Are The Benefits Of Blogging In The Elementary Classroom?, Chelsea Lamonica
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of blogging in the elementary classroom. Research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom that used student blogging on laptop computers as a part of the writing program. Data was collected through observation, teacher and student interviews, and examination and analysis of student blogs. The findings show that blogging is highly beneficial for elementary students, resulting in increased motivation, strengthened writing skills, and engagement in an authentic activity. In order to increase student learning, teachers must motivate their students by creating authentic and purposeful learning activities that involve student engagement, communication and collaboration with one …
Conceptual Understanding And Retention Of Vocabulary For Visual Learners, Nicki Stocking
Conceptual Understanding And Retention Of Vocabulary For Visual Learners, Nicki Stocking
Education Masters
This research paper investigates methods that promote conceptual understanding and retention of middle school, content area vocabulary for visual learners. Existing research suggests the methods of social interaction, visuals, word manipulation, contextual analysis, authentic connections, and self-selection to significantly influence vocabulary development. These methods were tested within “The Circular Vocabulary Strategy” to determine their effectiveness. Authentic connections and social interaction were found to most significantly create conceptual understanding and retention, while self-selection, word manipulation, and visuals increased motivation and promoted task manageability; contextual analysis acted as a guide in understanding, and the unintentionally examined method of repetition aided in information …
What Word Identification Strategies Can Be Used To Support A Middle School Reader Who Struggles With Decoding?, Sarah E. Homer
What Word Identification Strategies Can Be Used To Support A Middle School Reader Who Struggles With Decoding?, Sarah E. Homer
Education Masters
Abstract Similar to comprehension and fluency, word identification skills are crucial in a student’s acquisition of literacy skills. This research paper investigates a method used to promote word identification skills in middle school students reading at an emergent level. Existing research suggests that methods used with struggling readers must focus on filling in the gaps that have developed over the course of their emergent years. For the purpose of this study, the methods used for acquiring word identification skills were taken from Bear & Invernizzi’s (2008) Words their Way . These activities were implemented over the course of seven sessions …
Teaching Metacognitive Skills To Adolescents To Further Reading Comprehension, Danielle E. Bartl
Teaching Metacognitive Skills To Adolescents To Further Reading Comprehension, Danielle E. Bartl
Education Masters
This action research report looks at how metacognitive teaching strategies help to improve upon adolescents' reading comprehension and self-regulated learning. Educational theorists support teaching specific metacognitive learning tools to further students' comprehension and selfregulation through appropriate application of the strategies learned to various literacy experiences. This study's methodology focused on observing two practicum candidates incorporating metacognitive instruction into their literacy lesson plans and each of their three students' responses and growth in their comprehension and self-regulatory learning. In alignment to the literature, my own findings further revealed the positive value of teaching metacognitive strategies to students' to further their comprehension …
Turning It On And Off: Finding Middle Ground Between Home And School Discourses, Kamaria J. Simmons
Turning It On And Off: Finding Middle Ground Between Home And School Discourses, Kamaria J. Simmons
Education Masters
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) has been a controversial topic when it comes to African American children learning in the classroom. AAVE has been linked to African American children’s low performance scores in reading and writing. However, research has shown that this may not be the case. Although AAVE may not be the accepted form of English, or language in American society when it comes to academia, the difference in the dialect does not change the meaning’s context. This study examines whether African American children were able to code switch between AAVE and Standard English (SE). It includes four African …
How Do Teachers Measure And Drive Instruction Of Literacy, Chelsea T. Eaton
How Do Teachers Measure And Drive Instruction Of Literacy, Chelsea T. Eaton
Education Masters
The purpose of this investigation was to monitor the progress of a fourth grade student to gather data to guide literacy instruction, including fluency, comprehension, miscue analysis, and decoding. Data was collected weekly in order to organize lessons for small group instruction, as well as to identify accurate interventions to implement in the student ‟s progress . Daily data was collected on an individual student ‟s performance using R-CBM, MAZE, formal running records, and student ‟s observation. Results show that the participating in this data collection demonstrated statistically inconsistent gains in the areas of literacy.
The Need For Positive Behavior Supports In Schools, Kaitlin Daly
The Need For Positive Behavior Supports In Schools, Kaitlin Daly
Education Masters
Student misbehavior can be a hindrance to the educational process in a school. Undesirable behavior may distract pupils from a lesson, teachers from instruction, administrators from other duties, and the offender from his or her own learning. Often, a misbehaving student is removed from the classroom or school building. This approach to managing student behavior is not effective in the long term, as studies show individuals do not benefit from exclusion from instruction. Adults in a school building must look into ways to support students in learning how to behave appropriately. In addition to clearly communicated behavioral expectations and consequences, …
Factors Impacting The Special Education Classification Of Students Comparing Urban To Rural School Districts, Jessica Derwin
Factors Impacting The Special Education Classification Of Students Comparing Urban To Rural School Districts, Jessica Derwin
Education Masters
With the understanding that special education classification rates vary depending on whether or not a district is located in an urban versus a suburban or rural district, the following action research study focused on the factors that_are considered when special education committees make decisions to classify students. The goal of this study was to determine ifthere were other factors besides student ability that play into the classification of students for special education services. The focus of many research studies has determined race, socio - economic status, family makeup, and access to early educational opportunities to be factors affecting the classification …
Classroom Management In The Urban Setting, Vanessa Van Orden
Classroom Management In The Urban Setting, Vanessa Van Orden
Education Masters
The management in an urban setting can be difficult when the proper actions and modifications are not put in place. Administrators and further more, the school district needs to put specific expectations in place and consequences that are fair and appropriate to the background of the students that they are helping. Diversity amongst urban students is apparent and needs to be recognized by the teachers and administration in the urban setting. Teachers who are properly informed of what the expectations are and the consequences that follow, will also carry those and some of their own expectations and consequences out in …
Improving The Experience And Satisfaction Of Leaders And Staff In Clusters And Merged Parishes., Karen M. Rinefierd
Improving The Experience And Satisfaction Of Leaders And Staff In Clusters And Merged Parishes., Karen M. Rinefierd
Education Masters
No abstract provided.