Education Commons^™

Instructional Strategies Promoting Academic Success In Inclusive Settings At The Elementary School Level, Deborah L. White

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the instructional strategies that promote academic success in inclusive settings at the elementary school ·level. This study also attempted to investigate the most effective instructional strategies perceived by regular education teachers and special education teachers. Seventy-eight subjects from the elementary school level, including thirty- nine (n=39) regular education teachers and thirty-nine (n=39) special education teachers, participated in this study. A survey research design, with a self-developed questionnaire, was used to collect data. Approximately thirty-three percent (33.33%) of the questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative statistics . The …

Factors Affecting The Educational Attainment Of African-American Males: An Observational Analysis, Chauncey Williams

Masters Theses

African-American males participation in higher education has declined due to low academic achievement. The research suggests that this low achievement is caused by racism, academic preparation, self-esteem, teacher expectation, and goals. Although I agree with most of the research, I have concluded that along with teacher's expectations, four other factors greatly impact academic achievement. These other four factors are (1) school demographics, (2) curriculum, (3) parental involvement, and (4) peer pressure. These factors were observed through casual conversations with African-American male high school students in a large midwestern area. The observational analysis suggests that improvement in these areas will help …

An Analysis Of The Transactional Distance In Asynchronous Telecourses At A Community College Using The Group Embedded Figures Test, Roger J. Brenner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Asynchronous distance education telecourses are the technological version of traditional correspondence courses. Students in asynchronous telecourses receive videos and printed material but they may not have any contact with the instructor or other students. This study analyzed the academic performance of 154 Southwest Virginia Community College students enrolled in 27 different telecourses during one semester. The purpose of this study was to determine if students' cognitive styles impacted their achievement in distance education courses. Students were given the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) which categorized the students as field dependent or field independent. A field dependent's cognitive style is one …

Measuring Tutoring Effectiveness By Program Delivery Model: Small Group Tutoring Compared To Tutoring In Labs In Mathematics, Physics, And Accounting, Mary A. Quinn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effectiveness of two common tutoring program delivery models by analyzing tutored and nontutored students' grades and semester grade point averages in three subject areas. The effects of gender, age (if 25 years or older), course, duration of tutoring, tutoring contacts, and contacts per week are also measured. The approach to the ex post facto study is quantitative and utilizes data from the Student Information System at Appalachian State University and from tutoring contact sheets. Areas of data presentation include analysis of covariance results for experimental group, gender, age (if 25 years or older), and course; and …

Computer Anxiety And Attitudes Of Urban Teacher Education Students, Alfred P. Rovai

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This three-part study used quasi-experimental methodologies to: (a) determine how a computer literacy course affects the computer anxiety and computer attitudes of urban teacher education students over time, (b) explain and predict urban teacher education students who are resistant to reduction of computer anxiety, and (c) determine whether a humanistically-focused treatment is more effective than a traditional cognitively-focused treatment in reducing computer anxiety and improving computer attitudes.

For the first part of this study 75 subjects were measured over three observations using a 13-week interval. The treatment, a mandatory computer literacy course for teacher education students, was conducted between the …

Teaching/ Learning Experiences: Meanings Constructed By Participants Ini A Degree Completion Program For Adult Students, Natalie K. Manbeck

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning that teachers and their adult students construct of their classroom experiences and to see how those meanings impact the teaching/ learning process. Because of the multiple factors affecting an educational experience, this study took the view that this should be explored in a holistic way. Most educational research focuses on the teacher's perspective, with students and their learning considered as the result of the educational process. In order to more fully understand what is occurring in classrooms and what students are actually learning, it is important to ascertain student perceptions …

A Call To Movement: Reflections Of An Activist As Educator, Frances Lucerna

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Transformation or reform of public schools may be seen as a product of dual divergent forces - one rooted in the ideology of provider and the other arising from collective self-help initiatives for community self-determination. This paper explores, from a personal as well as community perspective, the socio-political underpinnings of creating a public school focused on human rights and the development of the community that gave it birth. It reveals the influences and principles that shaped my life as a community activist as well as the critical events in the history of El Puente ( a community-based organization ) that …

Learning Style Adaptations And The Effect On Sight Word Recognition Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Andrea Elizabeth Wollett

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sight word recognition of two students with learning disabilities from a private school in Virginia, after adaptations to their learning styles had been made. The experimental design used to assess the effects of learning style adaptations on sight word recognition was a multiple probe across word groups. A combination of the Dolch and Fry Sight Word Lists determined the unmastered sight words for both subjects. The Dunn and Dunn Learning Style Inventory was used to identify the subjects' preferred learning style. The results of the study indicated that when adaptations were …

The Hudson River Museum And The Foxfire School : A Museum/School Collaboration, Leslie K. Butler

Graduate Student Independent Studies

I was hired by the Hudson River Museum during December, 1995 to develop a museum component for a brand new school in Yonkers, New York. This new school was named the Firefox School. It was given this name because of the method of teaching which is based on the Firefox Program, a method of teaching developed 30 years ago in a small community located in the Appalachian Mountains.

Teaching Purchasing Skills Through The Application Of Constant Time Delay To Students With Moderate Mental Retardation During Community-Based Instruction, Jennifer L. Hueston

Theses & Honors Papers

A constant time delay procedure was used to teach two students with moderate mental retardation how to purchase food at local fast food restaurants and snacks at a local convenience store. Students were taught to purchase the items using paper money and were required to determine the amount due by locating the next dollar up amount on a number line. A 5-second time delay was used in teaching the subjects these purchasing skills. Training was evaluated with a multiple probe design across settings. Results indicated subjects did not reach criterion in the fast food setting. In the convenience store setting …

The Effects Of Tutor Age On Academic Performance In Reading Accuracy And Fluency, David D. Manson

Masters Theses

Many studies have demonstrated that the use of peer tutoring or peer assistance in the classroom is effective 0 (Ezell, Kohler, & Jarzynska, 1992; Fantuzzo, Riggio, Connelly, & Dimeff, 1989; Greenwood et al., 1984; Knapczyk, Johnson, & McDermott, 1983; Stern, Fowler, & Kohler, 1988; Trapani & Gettinger, 1989). Although this research appears to be fundamentally sound, several questions have been left unanswered. First, what has peer tutoring been compared to when it has been shown to be effective? Second, which variable or variables of peer tutoring made it effective? This study provided a partial answer to these questions, through the …

A Study Of The Relationship Between Use Of Technology In Math And Higher Test Scores, Mary Ann Grooters

Masters Theses

This thesis explored the relationship of a technology enhanced curriculum to higher test scores and higher student motivation. This thesis involved two seventh grade math classes in Kentwood, Michigan. A control class received instruction including lectures, written assignments, and projects. The test group received similar assignments and projects and in addition were given technology supported exercises. A survey given to the test group examined motivation levels, and end of chapter tests compared achievement scores of both groups. The findings indicate that a technology enhanced curriculum does not lead to higher test scores but does impact student motivation to learn math.

Supporting Emergent Writing In Kindergarten, Lynne L. Dufault

All Graduate Projects

The development of emergent writing and the factors which support writing were studied. Five ways that teachers support emergent writing in the classroom were identified and used as the foundation for the developed activities in this project. The activities were designed by the author for use in kindergarten and can be adapted to fit other primary levels. Recommendations for supporting emergent writing in classrooms were given. iii

A Guide For Extending Nature Lessons At The Yakima Arboretum, Kathleen D. Brown

All Graduate Projects

The importance of providing a hands on natural environment curriculum was examined. Sources from 1938-1996 were found supporting the importance of such a curriculum. A search was conducted on the availability of a natural habitat curriculum that used a local resource. The search discovered the Yakima Arboretum had seven areas of interest along with a packet of brief lesson suggestions. These lessons were extended to include classroom activities that would provide students with background knowledge prior to a field trip to the Arboretum.

An Interdisciplinary Water Quality Curriculum For Middle School Students, Barbara Michelle Cleveland

All Graduate Projects

An interdisciplinary curriculum correlating water quality with the disciplines of physical science and mathematics for 6th grade middle school students was developed. Literature examined indicates that the opportunity to explore key concepts and significant issues using an integrated approach provided greater opportunity to formulate meaningful connections between disciplines studied and that achievement was enhanced. The Learning units were developed for use at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, Washington.

A Look At The Middle Ages: Tying Together Social Studies And Language Arts, R. Eric Despain

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a thematic interdisciplinary unit. Fifteen social studies lessons are focused on the middle ages and tied together with the book, The Castle in the Attic. There is also a companion language arts unit for The Castle in the Attic. This project was developed to help sixth-grade students apply information taught in social studies to language arts and help them to see natural connections that occur in learning.

A School-To-Work Transition Curriculum For Out-Of-School Youth, Mateo Arteaga

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a School-to-Work transition curriculum to assist out-of-school youth in grades 6-12 formulate career pathways at Yakima Valley Opportunities Industrialization Center alternative schools, Yakima, Washington. To accomplish this goal, current research and literature on School-to-Work curriculum models, programs and certificate of mastery were reviewed. Additionally, selected materials were obtained from institutions across the United States with model School-to-Work curricula/programs in action.

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

A Guide For Extending Nature Lessons At The Yakima Arboretum, Marilou Cori Kinder

All Graduate Projects

The importance of providing a hands on natural environment curriculum was examined. Sources from 1938-1996 were found supporting the importance of such a curriculum. A search was conducted on the availability of a natural habitat curriculum that used a local resource. The search discovered the Yakima Arboretum had seven areas of interest along with a packet of brief lesson suggestions. These lessons were extended to include classroom activities that would provide students with background knowledge prior to a field trip to the Arboretum.

Wilderness Survival Basic Skills: A Model Seventh Grade Science Curriculum With Integrated Math Concepts, Layne B. Hutchins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and implement a model 7th grade science program with integrated mathematics concepts using an outdoor survival theme. The developed program focused on mathematics and science topics related to exploration and survival in the wilderness and enjoyment of the outdoors in order to connect mathematics and science concepts with real life experiences. Current research and literature on integration and multiple intelligences, integration of mathematics and science as well existing outdoor programs was reviewed. Finally, section overviews, student learning objectives, learning activities and teaching strategies were adapted and developed.

At-Risk Fourth Grade Students: Teaching Strategies For Developing Effective Interpersonal And Intrapersonal Skills, Robert Paul Griffith

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of social skills and teaching strategies was developed for use by classroom teachers of students at-risk in the fourth grade. A literature search was conducted regarding characteristics of students at-risk, effective strategies for teaching social skills, and effective social skills programs. The strategies developed can be used by elementary classroom teachers to help improve prosocial skills of students at-risk.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

The 1995-96 School Improvement Plan For Holy Savior High School Tienchung, Taiwan, Jen-Hung Hsu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to plan and develop a comprehensive high school curriculum for Holy Savior High School (HSHS) Tienchung, Taiwan, Republic of China (R.O.C.). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to comprehensive high school curricular and instructional development, both academic and vocationaltechnical, were reviewed, and recent legal regulations and directives of the Taiwan Provincial Government were considered.

Study Skills Handbook For Elementary Students Transitioning Into Middle School, Kristina Elise Riggs

All Graduate Projects

Students transitioning from elementary to middle school face a unique set of challenges. These students are coming from the comfort of having one teacher and one classroom, to the departmentalized setting of the middle school There they may have up to seven different teachers, classes and classrooms. This new situation forces them to call upon certain organizational skills which may be different from those utilized in past learning situations. The Study Skills Handbook was designed to aid students with this unique transition. It provides students with an overview of basic skills practicing teachers deemed important for success in their classroom. …

Read Aloud Program For Emergent Readers, Shari Ann Mars

All Graduate Projects

This project is based on the assumption that reading aloud at home has many educational benefits. Children can be introduced to books in a pleasant manner, which they will later associate with the continued experience of reading. If children enjoy reading, they will read more. If they read more, they will increase their reading skill. Reading aloud to children helps them become aware of how language works, new words are introduced, and the nature of storybook language is being encountered. Reading aloud at home with their parents can be the key to the child's later success in reading and learning …

Identifying Phonological Awareness ?Outcomes In A Personal Setting, Julie A. Taylor

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create a procedures guide containing research-supported lessons that facilitate the acquisition of phonological awareness by students in a preschool or kindergarten classroom. An investigation of the related literature revealed aspects of phonological awareness that can be taught to preliterate children before the onset of formal training. The product of this investigation is a guide containing lessons and activities either extracted from or modeled after those field tested in many classrooms.

Parenting The Transescent: An Education Program For Parents Of Middle School Students At Morgan Middle School, Michael P. Mccloskey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a program to help parents become more effective in recognizing and responding to characteristics and behaviors of the transescent, with special emphasis on assisting parents with their child's transitions into the middle school and high school. To accomplish this task, current literature, research, and programs related to the parenting of the transescent were studied. Subsequently, a program was designed and developed for implementation at Morgan Middle School in the Ellensburg School District, Ellensburg, Washington.

The Design Of A Middle School Manual To Aid Core Teachers In The Development Of Integrated Curriculum Units, Irene M. Moren

All Graduate Projects

This project purports to design a manual for middle-school teachers to aid in the development of core-integrated curriculum units. The manual will serve as an ally to the knowledge in textbooks, technology bases, and other available printed and nonprinted library and classroom resources. It will illustrate specific ways to integrate core curriculum knowledge and activities. The manual is intended for use by school-based subject core teachers by providing a common field of knowledge on the development of integrated curriculum units for middle level grades. The manual will enable educators to develop integrated core curriculum units that utilize themes and knowledge …

Integrating Multimedia Education Into Learning Activities For Students Ages Five Through Seven, Sandra Jean Riley

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project was to adapt curriculum activities that integrate Internet technology with activities for children ages five through seven. Review of selected literature, relevant to the integration of technology was conducted. Findings presented support the integration of multimedia technology into the instruction of young childre.n. Portions of the Washington State Essential Learnings for reading, writing, and communication were incorporated in the development of the activities for use in the early childhood classroom.

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.