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How Crucial Are Multi-Cultural Texts To Social Awareness And Acceptance In The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Setting?: A Study On Views On Family Structure, Elisabeth Addyman
How Crucial Are Multi-Cultural Texts To Social Awareness And Acceptance In The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Setting?: A Study On Views On Family Structure, Elisabeth Addyman
Education Masters
This study examined the impact that multi-cultural picture books have on students’ views on different family structures in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten setting. Research was conducted in a Universal Pre-Kindergarten classroom in a whole and small group setting. Data was collected through informal observations, student work, and pre and post interviews. The findings showed that the students could benefit greatly from multi-cultural picture books when coupled with meaningful discussions and/or extending activities. In order to determine the full potential of using multi-cultural picture books within the classroom to impact students’ views on different family structures, more research needs to be conducted.
The Home Literacy Environment Impact On A Struggling Reader And Emergent Reader's Readiness For A Pre-Kindergarten Program, Ashley Colarocco
The Home Literacy Environment Impact On A Struggling Reader And Emergent Reader's Readiness For A Pre-Kindergarten Program, Ashley Colarocco
Education Masters
The goal of this study was to examine the impact the home literacy environment has on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. It was determined that the home literacy environment has a greater impact on a struggling reader and an emergent reader. Data was collected through teacher field notes, questionnaires, and student test scores. The data showed the home literacy environment does have an impact on both a struggling reader and an emergent reader. The more involved a parent is in their child’s academics, the more successful the child will be. Children will be more prepared for school and …
How Do Wordless Picture Books Help Develop Writing For All Students?, Shannon Marble
How Do Wordless Picture Books Help Develop Writing For All Students?, Shannon Marble
Education Masters
This action research paper asked the question, “How do wordless picture books help develop writing for all students?” Through the results, there were mixed findings on how wordless picture books can help students with writing. Data was collected through student writing samples, field notes based off of the student writing, and two interviews. The findings section presents writing samples and tables based off of the writing samples, as well as data from the interviews. The data showed three recurring themes during the study: wordless picture books encourage students to write, provide a writing tool for older students, and develop written …
Blogging As A Strategy To Support Reading Comprehension Skills, Casey Vanepps
Blogging As A Strategy To Support Reading Comprehension Skills, Casey Vanepps
Education Masters
For the purpose of this study, four students were given access to a blog during guided reading instruction in hopes to answer the question: can blogging be used to support reading comprehension? Through questionnaires, observation, and student work samples, I saw a clear increase in the participants‟ ability to respond to literature, as well as an increase in their motivation to work through a fiction novel. These findings call for teachers to evolve their instructional practices and make sure they are utilizing the rapidly changing technologies that are available to their students on a daily basis. By incorporating these technologies, …
Teacher Perceptions In Non-Diverse School Populations Surrounding Multicultural Literature, Gretchen Soule
Teacher Perceptions In Non-Diverse School Populations Surrounding Multicultural Literature, Gretchen Soule
Education Masters
The research question that guided this study examined teacher perceptions surrounding the use of multicultural literature in non-diverse schools and the result of using multicultural literature within a non-diverse classroom setting. The claim made in this study sought out teacher’s awareness pertaining to multicultural literature, the authentic use of multicultural use in the classroom, and student response to multicultural education. Data was collected through a teacher questionnaire, a text study, and a student discussion group. The findings in this study supported the use of multicultural literature to promote learning, but discovered that the teacher dedication within the non-diverse setting towards …
Prewriting Strategies And Their Effect On Student Writing, Katrina Servati
Prewriting Strategies And Their Effect On Student Writing, Katrina Servati
Education Masters
This research project began by asking the question: Does the use of prewriting strategies improve the overall quality of student writing? Research was conducted within a tutoring program for struggling writers and a local school. Data was collected by teacher questionnaires, student work samples, student interviews, and field notes. It was found that students who use prewriting strategies such as graphic organizers are capable of better quality writing. The data collected implied that if taught the appropriate strategies and resources by their teachers, and given enough time, students writing quality can improve.
The Impact Of Student Interest And Instructor Effectiveness On Student Performance, Kate Sauer
The Impact Of Student Interest And Instructor Effectiveness On Student Performance, Kate Sauer
Education Masters
This research project began by asking if and how student interest and instructor effectiveness impacted student performance. Research was conducted with two middle school students. The data was gathered by administering questionnaires, collecting student work, and recording observations. Findings revealed that students’ interest and their relationship with the instructor were contributing factors in successful academic performance. Therefore, the data implied that teachers need consider student interest and develop a relationship with them in order to foster student growth and success.
Using Technology As A Teacher Differentiation Tool To Increase Students' High Frequency Word Recognition, Shannon Mclaughlin
Using Technology As A Teacher Differentiation Tool To Increase Students' High Frequency Word Recognition, Shannon Mclaughlin
Education Masters
This research asked, “how does technology, as a teacher assistive differentiation tool, increase students high frequency word recognition?” Research was conducted in Greenville, New York with a group of nine first grade students all classified with a disability. Students were placed in either an iPad or flash card group. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires/interviews, student observations, and assessment. Findings revealed that both the groups increased their word recognition; however, the iPad group revealed a greater percentage increase when compared to the flash card group. The data implies there is a correlation among students with disabilities and using …
Family Intervention Strategies: Support For Struggling Readers, Rachel Hildreth
Family Intervention Strategies: Support For Struggling Readers, Rachel Hildreth
Education Masters
This study examined the success of family intervention strategies to support literacy development among children who are struggling readers through daily activities and routines. Research followed a family participating in a shared family literacy intervention model, targeted participant/student being a ten year old male over four tutoring sessions. Data was collected through parent/student questionnaire, field notes/reflection, focus group and parent interview. By engaging the student as a learner through shared family experiences, daily routines and activities were used as literacy learning opportunities to increase student performance and the family was able to extend literacy strategies into daily routines. With family …
Hand-On Strategies To Help Assist Children In Letter Formation And Letter Recognition, Kylee Bilodeau
Hand-On Strategies To Help Assist Children In Letter Formation And Letter Recognition, Kylee Bilodeau
Education Masters
This study was performed to discover strategies that can assist children in forming letters and recognizing letters. The research question is, given that literacy is a social process that is influential to one's culture, this action research question asks what are some hands-on strategies that can assist a child in early literacy development with letter recognition and letter formation? Within this study, data was collected, parents were given questionnaires, teachers were interviewed and students were assessed. Through this data the findings were an array of hands on strategies that can be used to help children. Implications for teachers include keeping …
Using Explicit Strategy Instruction To Improve Reading Comprehension, Abigail K. Ballou
Using Explicit Strategy Instruction To Improve Reading Comprehension, Abigail K. Ballou
Education Masters
For the purpose of this study, three students were explicitly taught three during reading comprehension strategies. Students were given a pre and post-assessment which were analyzed to determine the effectiveness and implications of explicit strategy instruction. Furthermore, a questionnaire, related to reading comprehension, was distributed to teachers at the school in which the study took place. Findings from the study suggest that although students’ comprehension scores did not improve, their attitudes toward reading improved and their ability to use a wide variety of strategies increased after receiving explicit strategy instruction. The primary implication of this study is teachers must be …
Representation Of Historical Events Within Social Studies Textbooks Using Critical Literacy To Enhance The Social Studies Classroom, Mary C. Dougherty
Representation Of Historical Events Within Social Studies Textbooks Using Critical Literacy To Enhance The Social Studies Classroom, Mary C. Dougherty
Education Masters
This study aims to examine the representation of historical events within two social studies textbooks. Data was collected through a questionnaire, student written responses to the textbook, textbook evaluations, field notes, student led discussion, and teacher led discussion. The study reveals textbooks may not provide students will a well-rounded representation of historical events, students might be able to critically view the textbook but may not internalize the same skills used, and students may struggle with connecting historical events and the world today. Students and teachers, alike, need to recognize the impact of the social studies textbook. In addition, a critical …
Understanding The Relationship Between Reading Fluency And Reading Comprehension: Fluency Strategies As A Focus For Instruction, Jennifer Cotter
Understanding The Relationship Between Reading Fluency And Reading Comprehension: Fluency Strategies As A Focus For Instruction, Jennifer Cotter
Education Masters
Understanding the relationship between reading fluency and comprehension is important. Reading fluency strategies can be used to help increase overall reading comprehension in students. Five students and one parent participated in the study of how repeated readings impact overall reading comprehension. Students were exposed to a set of reading passages that were read each week, and data was collected. At the end of the school year, students were given a reading comprehension post assessment to compare the results from September. When analyzing the data, it was clear that the repeated reading strategy was successful in increasing reading comprehension among the …
How Does Exposure To Mulitcultural Literature Benefit Children's Thought Processes About Race?, Timothy Coon
How Does Exposure To Mulitcultural Literature Benefit Children's Thought Processes About Race?, Timothy Coon
Education Masters
This action research paper asked the question, “How does exposure to multicultural literature benefit children’s thought processes about race?” The students’ exposure to multicultural literature showed mixed results based on their thought processes about race. Data was collected through teacher field notes, interviews, questionnaires, student work samples, and study questions. The findings section presents tables with the data that was collected. The data showed three recurring themes during the study: consistent prejudice toward African Americans, multicultural literature’s effect on children’s thoughts, and developing empathy while making personal connections to other cultures. The results from the tables indicated that it is …
The Effect Of Mulitcultural Picture Books On Students' Perceptions, Alaina K. Long
The Effect Of Mulitcultural Picture Books On Students' Perceptions, Alaina K. Long
Education Masters
Through the observation of seven students in small groups leading their own discussion about two picture books representing the Japanese culture I looked to find whether or not students’ previous assumptions of another culture would be altered or upheld. I found that with the use of a critical lens and multiple perspectives to study multicultural literature, teachers can create a more tolerant and accepting classroom environment. Multicultural literature is an essential point of instruction for our increasingly diverse classrooms and will help students grow with society as we move towards a global economy through the use of literacy and technology.
The Reading Experience: How Struggling And Non-Struggling Readers Differ, Jessica Garrett
The Reading Experience: How Struggling And Non-Struggling Readers Differ, Jessica Garrett
Education Masters
The reading experience is a socially charged multifaceted event. During the reading experience, students are engaged with text and forming their own identity as a reader. Often teachers help form the identity of readers based on achievement. This study asked the question; how does the reading experience differ between struggling and non-struggling readers? Research was done in Moo, New York (pseudonym) with a group of six students; 3 struggling readers and three non-struggling readers. Through surveys and interviews there was a distinct difference between the students understanding of the reading process, emotional connection to text, and connection to instruction. These …
Using Young Adult Literature To Increase Student Success And Teach Multiculturalism, Kirsten Toscano
Using Young Adult Literature To Increase Student Success And Teach Multiculturalism, Kirsten Toscano
Education Masters
This research study aimed to determine student and teacher perceptions of young adult literature and its uses in multicultural teaching. It has been determined how young adult literature impacts student learning. Data was collected through interviews, surveys, assessments, and library records. Based on the results from this study, it is proclaimed that students respond positively to the content of young adult literature texts. Young adult literature can be used for multicultural teaching and increased student success in reading and comprehension.
Student Learning Engagement With Smart Boards In Reader's Workshop, Crystal Parmeter
Student Learning Engagement With Smart Boards In Reader's Workshop, Crystal Parmeter
Education Masters
This study examined how SMART Boards encourage student learning engagement in reader’s workshop. Using technology in the classroom will motivate and engage students throughout a lesson. This research was conducted by observing three different lessons with each group of three students; the SMART Board was incorporated with only one group of students. Data was collected and analyzed through means of observation, student work samples, questionnaires, and personal interviews. The findings suggest there are many benefits for educators who incorporate the SMART Board into daily instruction. Increased student engagement, increased peer collaboration, and strengthening of comprehension are some of those benefits. …
How Can Pre-Reading Strategies Benefit Students With Disabilities?, Jennifer Markham
How Can Pre-Reading Strategies Benefit Students With Disabilities?, Jennifer Markham
Education Masters
This research study sought to determine if students with disabilities benefit from pre-reading strategies in reading comprehension. Reading is a fundamental skill that supports academic achievement. Using pre-reading strategies will motivate and increase student comprehension. In an effort to influence students with disabilities, the concept of pre-reading strategies was introduced to a group of middle school students. Some pre-reading strategies included selecting interesting texts, graphic organizers, vocabulary instruction, visual representations, and the activation of prior knowledge. Findings have shown that pre-reading strategies influence student motivation, increase the activation of prior knowledge and they can be used as a tool for …
Culturally Responsive Multicultural Education, Mayra Ortiz
Culturally Responsive Multicultural Education, Mayra Ortiz
Education Masters
This paper identifies the many facets and importance of a multicultural/culturally responsive education. While a multicultural education affirms issues of identity and differences among people as a positive thing, it also uses this same lens to question and confront both historical and current issues of power and privilege in society. Today multicultural education strives to instruct teachers as to the ways in which culturally and linguistically diverse students learn and function in order for them to receive and experience the most diverse and culturally rich learning possible. Based in recognizing and accepting cultural differences, culturally responsive education is a pedagogy …
How Does The Use Of Phonemic Awareness Skill-Building Software In Conjunction With An In-School Literacy Program Benefit Students' Literacy Skills?, Amanda Radell
Education Masters
This study examined how phonemic awareness skill building software benefited the literacy skills of school age children. Research was conducted through observation of two students, a kindergartener and third grader, using Earobics software. In addition to observation, informal interviews were also used to determine the necessity of the software and its possible benefits. The students demonstrated an increase in literacy skills, but not phonemic awareness skills specifically. The benefits of this software allow for students to develop their literacy skills more fully by providing a strong skill base when used as a supplement to a complete literacy program.
Benefits Of Read-Alouds In Early Childhood Literacy Development, Megan R. Mills
Benefits Of Read-Alouds In Early Childhood Literacy Development, Megan R. Mills
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of read alouds and early childhood literacy development. Research was conducted in preschool classrooms that use whole group interactive read alouds, as part of the daily literacy instruction. Data was collected through observation, teacher and student questionnaires, and examination and analysis of student work samples, in response to the daily read-aloud. The findings show that interactive read-alouds are highly beneficial for early childhood literacy development resulting in increased engagement, strengthened reading and writing skills, and the students’ abilities to make connections. In order to promote student interaction during learning, teachers must motivate their students by …
Self Contained Classrooms In Today's Schools, Greg O'Connor
Self Contained Classrooms In Today's Schools, Greg O'Connor
Education Masters
The purpose of this literature review is to examine the characteristics and effectiveness of self contained classrooms in today’s schools. This paper talks about what is involved in a self contained classroom, the least restrictive environment, opportunities for inclusion, benefits of inclusion, and the social implications on students in a self contained classroom. Following the review is a research study that describes the environment, strategies, and to what extent students in self-contained classrooms are involved in different settings.
Using Read-Alouds To Reinforce Comprehension In Second Grade Students, Melissa Alessandra
Using Read-Alouds To Reinforce Comprehension In Second Grade Students, Melissa Alessandra
Education Masters
This research study aimed to determine if interactive read-alouds have a greater impact on student comprehension than non-interactive read-alouds when numerous factors are taken into consideration. It will be determined why interactive read-alouds have a greater impact on student comprehension. Data was collected through numerous observations, interviews, assessments, and two read-aloud sessions with four second grade males. Based on the results from this study, it is proclaimed that interactive read-alouds have a greater impact on student comprehension than non-interactive read-alouds. The use of interactive read-alouds in a classroom setting will lead to higher levels of participation and engagement among students …
Best Practices For Improving The Vocabularies Of Students Who Live In Poverty, Justine Cipura
Best Practices For Improving The Vocabularies Of Students Who Live In Poverty, Justine Cipura
Education Masters
Students need to have well-developed vocabularies to succeed in language arts as well as in all other content areas. Student success and achievement can be attributed to in part to the difference between the vocabulary knowledge of students who live in poverty and students who do not. This action research project looks at different methods of vocabulary instruction to determine the best practice. This study took place in a fifth grade classroom at a Title One school. The methods of instruction tested were explicit instruction, teaching vocabulary in context, and a combination approach. This study concluded that vocabulary should be …
The Impact Of Traditional Vs. Interactive Instruction On Student Comprehension, Laura Connell
The Impact Of Traditional Vs. Interactive Instruction On Student Comprehension, Laura Connell
Education Masters
This action research project asks if the comprehension of students who have moderate to severe cognitive disabilities benefit more from interactive or traditional teaching methods. It was the claim that interactive teaching instruction is more beneficial to comprehension. Direct and interactive instruction was used with two students to determine which instruction was most beneficial. Through teacher interviews, student work samples, and field notes taken, direct instruction proved to be better for comprehension. Educators of students with significant disabilities should use a combination of direct and interactive instruction to benefit students’ comprehension.
Effective Comprehension Strategies After Initial Reading Of Fiction And Nonfiction Texts, Sarah Martin
Effective Comprehension Strategies After Initial Reading Of Fiction And Nonfiction Texts, Sarah Martin
Education Masters
Given that responsible students actively engage in their own literacy learning by developing personal literacy goals and that learning occurs when effective reading strategies are taught, this action research project asks, which after reading strategies work best with fiction and nonfiction texts in developing comprehension in fifth graders? Research for this study takes place at Middlebrook Elementary School. Three fifth grade students participated in several reading and assessment tasks over the course of seven work sessions. The findings and implications suggest that inferring is most useful when reading fiction, summarizing proved to be an effective for both genres. Lastly, results …
Beginning Readers And The Use Of Rime Analogies In Word Recognition, Lauren Carnevale
Beginning Readers And The Use Of Rime Analogies In Word Recognition, Lauren Carnevale
Education Masters
Learning how to segment and blends sounds within words is instrumental in the acquisition of literacy. The purpose of this action research was to explore how the use of rime analogies can help beginning readers recognize new words. Researchers have determined that explicit phonics instruction is more beneficial than implicit phonics instruction, and that the use of rime analogies helps student decode unknown words through the recognition of known sound units. An experimental and control group were used in this study to compare the growth of students who were exposed to four rime analogies against students who were exposed to …
The Impact Of Specific Ipad Applications On Phonics Instruction In Kindergarten Students, Jennifer Jaffarian
The Impact Of Specific Ipad Applications On Phonics Instruction In Kindergarten Students, Jennifer Jaffarian
Education Masters
This research study determined if four iPad phonics applications had an impact on phonics acquisition in kindergarten students. This study concluded that the phonics iPad applications used in this study proved neither more nor less effective than the phonics iPad applications set in place by the classroom teacher. Data was collected through assessments, observations, and interviews with kindergarten students and their teacher. Based on the results from this study, no definitive difference was found between the four iPad applications and the iPad applications already set in place by the classroom teacher. The use of iPad applications should be considered when …
Students And Graphic Novels: How Visuals Aid In Literary Term Recall And Students' Perceptions Of The Tools, Jacelyn Kit Liberto
Students And Graphic Novels: How Visuals Aid In Literary Term Recall And Students' Perceptions Of The Tools, Jacelyn Kit Liberto
Education Masters
This study examined how graphic novels can reinforce students’ understanding of literary terms and what students’ perceptions of using graphic novels as a learning tool are. The research was conducted with three reading clinic students who completed pre and post unit questionnaires on the literary terms used studied, filled out a questionnaire about graphic novels, created pre and post unit creative pieces based on the literary terms and were observed for behaviors and attitudes. The findings show that using graphic novels can enhance student recall of literary terms and they are a text type students enjoy. Teachers should use graphic …