Education Commons^™

Effectiveness Of Visual Cues During Transitions In A Third Grade Classroom, Tory Gaard

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of using visual cues during transition periods vs. verbal cues. The visual cues are a Google Slide with a list of the required materials and an embedded timer. The investigation employed ongoing monitoring of students during their transitions throughout the school day. The ongoing monitoring was documented using the attached data table. The data table tracked the time it takes students to transition, the # of students in attendance, number of students with all required materials, and the number of students in the correct location. Outcome analysis includes a comparison …

The Effect Of A Weekly Social Presence In Online Classes, Cindy Salfer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study involved looking at the effect that providing a visual presence in online classes had on the students’ success on tests, overall achievement in the class, and retention. The instructor provided a weekly visual video to review weekly outcomes, summarize weekly expectations, and provide clarification on content and assignments. The literature on the importance of including engagement by the instructor and adding a human component to online classes for the most part supports the positive effects it can have on students completing online courses successfully. This research included comparing the results of two exams given in a Methods and …

The Effect Of Instruction (Rapid Automatic Naming Versus Repeated Read Aloud) On Vocabulary Building For Preschool Children, Alison Bendickson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

STUDY ABSTRACT

Title

The Effect of Instruction (Rapid Automatic Naming Versus Repeated Read Aloud) on Vocabulary Building for Preschool Children

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this research was to determine whether using the strategy of rapid automatic naming or repeated read aloud would increase children’s vocabulary development. The study assessed children in an inclusive classroom. The participants were 3 year old students who required specialized instruction and have Individual Education Programs and students who were typically developing. The students were assessed using Individual Growth and Development Indicators (picture naming) to assess which intervention strategy produced more growth in …

The Effect Of Ipad Instruction On Capital Letter Recognition Of Preschoolers, Jessica Adkins

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study is to look at the effect of iPad instruction on capital letter recognition in preschool children between the ages of four and five. The study divided participants into two groups. One group received capital letter instruction with an iPad. The second group received capital letter instruction using letter manipulatives. Letter manipulatives were wooden puzzle letters. Baseline data was taken on capital letter recognition of all participants before this study began. At the end of the study, data was taken on capital letter recognition of all participants. Baseline and final data was compared to show growth. …

The Alignment Of Esl Materials To Wida And State Standards, Jenna Marie Quanbeck

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This project analyzed the various 2^nd grade English language (EL) materials that were available in a rural elementary school to determine how those materials aligned to Minnesota (MN) state academic standards and the WIDA English Language Development standards. First, the various bodies of literature available on alignment and current recommendations for determining alignment between course content and state academic standards were reviewed. Then, the researcher developed and implemented a checklist-based process for determining alignment. This paper presents the literature review, the checklists, and the results of the analysis. The materials were found to be aligned to standards. The researcher …

Creating An Adult Learner Entry Achievement Program, Gloria Riopelle

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

ABSTRACT

This proposal is to implement an Adult Learner Entry Achievement Program (ALEAP) within higher education institutions. The purpose of the ALEAP program is to support and serve the needs of adult learners who want to return to or begin college to earn their degree or certificate and pursue their personal or career goals. In turn, their achievements will also increase the higher education attainment rates in the State of Minnesota. This program could exist as a stand-alone program or be housed within support systems, such as, Continuing Education or an Academic Support Center.

Current research indicates that there is …

Quantity Versus Quality: Comparing Reading Recovery And Title I Reading As A First Grade Early Literacy Intervention, Jenna Meyers

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study is to promote full implementation of the Reading Recovery program and compare the relationship of Reading Recovery and Title I Reading services among struggling first grade readers. This study will look at first grade students in three classrooms who are reading below grade level and are selected to receive a daily, 30-minute reading intervention that supplements classroom instruction. Two of the classrooms will be placed in Title I reading groups following Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) curriculum. The lowest readers from the third classroom will be tested and selected for 12 to 20 weeks of Reading …

Effect Of Music And Movement On Recognition Of Sight Words Of Kindergarten Students, Joni Jensen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of using music and movement to teach sight words to kindergarten students. The experimental group will learn sight words through movement and singing. This study includes the collection of data by assessing each student's ability to recognize sight words. Students will be assessed by using a district wide sight word inventory. Once data is collected, it will be compared to a different classroom (control group) that has not used music or movement to teach sight words.

This study also includes a parent involvement component. Students will bring home sight word …

Co-Teaching: Is The Co-Teaching Model The Most Effective Strategy For Students?, Michelle Sokoloski

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Co-Teaching: Is the co-teaching model the most effective strategy for students?

Michelle Sokoloski

The purpose of this study is to identify whether co-teaching is the most effective strategy for teaching students. Participants of this study will consist of male and female, 5th grade math students of varying races and socio economic status’ in rural Minnesota. The participants consist of English Language Learners, those that are part of the free and reduced meal program, and other students in 5^thgrade. This study will follow approximately 20% of the grade and track their progress over the course of four months using …

The Relationship Between Parental Involvement And Reading Achievement, Erin M. Schnell

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This five week investigation determined a relationship exists between parental involvement and reading achievement. Students were separated into two groups, Group A and Group B. Group A contained students who received below the average amount of parental involvement points obtained and Group B contained students who received above the average amount of parental involvement points obtained. Students in Group B made a 1.14 text level gain above students in Group A. Group B also made a 6.34 sight word gain over Group A as well as a 5.57 oral reading fluency gain over students in Group A. The study included …

Importance Of Transition Planning, Jennifer L. Mattheis

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Title: Importance of Transition Planning

Purposed Study:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the teacher, parent and student awareness of transition plans in the high school setting through trends. A transition plan can be summarized as a set of goals and guidelines in efforts to set a student up for individualized independence, that reflects their goals and their desired life choices post high school. Specifically, the research will look at Transition Plans from students, grades 10-12, in the general classroom with In-Class Support, students in Resource and students in Life Skills. Each support level has its own Special …

Using Small Group Reading Instruction To Improve Reading Fluency In First Grade, Michaela Kolness

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This paper explores the effect of teaching evidence-based fluency strategies in a small group setting to improve first grade students’ reading fluency. Students for this study were chosen based on an aimswebPlus fluency assessment. Students that scored below grade level in the area of reading fluency were chosen to participate. Four of these students were put into a small reading group. They received targeted fluency instruction twenty minutes a day, four days a week for five weeks. The fluency instruction they receive included practice with reading high frequency words, poetry practice, repeated readings, decoding practice and read alouds. The remaining …

A Single Subject Design Study; Utilizing Visual Schedules To Reduce Behaviors During Hallway Transitions, Nicole Amber Degner

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract This study examined whether a Visual Activity Schedule would aid in reduction of disruptive behaviors during hallway transitions. Subject of this study was a six-year-old, Caucasian male, diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The study used a single-subject experimental design to determine baseline, intervention phase and removal of intervention phase. Specifically, the study revealed intervention strategies of a Visual Schedule was associated with 100% reduction of disruptive behaviors. Relationship development between paraprofessional and Student was found to be a secondary factor.

The Effect Of Feedback Given On Informal Assessments And Its Continued Effect On Formal Assessments, Britta Teeples, Britta Teeples

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This quantitative study investigates the use of immediate and delayed answer corrective feedback provided on informal assessments, with the use of technological tools, and its impact on formal assessments on senior level, high school students from a rural Minnesota high school. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of both immediate and delayed answer corrective feedback to determine if both/either are effective in helping improve students formally. Students participated in an eight-week study in which two smaller sections were provided immediate answer corrective feedback informally, with the use of Kahoot. An additional (one) section was provided delayed answer corrective feedback with …

Impacts Of Repeated Reading On Fluency And Comprehension, Tina Podemski

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In this study, the effects of repeated read aloud interventions in the preschool setting on reading fluency/oral language and comprehension were investigated. Participants in this study included seven students who were all four years of age. Participants faced a variety of factors such as: foster care, mental health and special education. Student participants were determined following an assessment of early literacy skills using the Preschool Early Literacy Indicators (PELI); this assessment focuses on four main areas of early literacy: alphabet knowledge (naming and sounds), vocabulary/oral language (picture naming fluency), comprehension and phonological awareness. Students were selected to participate in tier …

Exploring The Effect Of Using The Six-Minute Solution: A Reading Fluency Program To Increase Overall Reading Fluency In Second Grade Students, Kelly Cunningham

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this research is to make a determination whether a positive, as well as additive, effect is seen on reading fluency when using the implementation of multiple strategies in the classroom. After reviewing the strategies, the researched-based Six-Minute Solution: A Reading Fluency Program was chosen as the main intervention. The study will specifically target second graders. After determining baseline data, data collection will be collected bi-monthly for a four-week period. As a result of the intervention, the conclusive findings indicate a positive increase in reading fluency scores.

Using Virtual Reality Devices With Autistic Students In High School To Teach Social Communication Skills, Denise Yonke

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Study Abstract

Title: Using Virtual Reality Devices with Autistic Students in High School to Teach Social Communication Skills

Proposed Study:

The purpose of this research is to determine whether using virtual reality to teach social skills will improve the conversation skills of high school students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, the study will look at the conversation skills of ASD students by monitoring their performance on greeting, conversation, and closing skills in conversations prior to, during, and after the instruction. The aim of this study is to determine if the face to face communication skills of the participants will …

The Important Role Of The Faculty Advisor In Credit-Bearing Internship Opportunities, Allison Goossens

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Much of the research that surrounds internships and other student experiential learning focuses on the student and the inherent benefits that they reap from such experiences. Much of this research is viewed through a developmental lens, examining how students benefit and in what conditions are conducive to the learning taking place. What is not widely noted is the work that the faculty advisors do to help facilitate that learning, ensuring that the experience is held to a high level of academic integrity. Here, the literature around this topic is explored and the importance of the faculty advisor and the role …

The Relationship Between Self-Monitoring And On-Task Behavior For Students With Developmental Disabilities, Corrin Mann

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to determine whether the practice of self-monitoring would improve the on-task behavior of high school students with developmental disabilities. The study tracked the effects of self-monitoring on a student’s on-task behavior while in a functional life skills class through a transition program. Students practicing in this study demonstrated off-task behavior while in the life skills class. The students were taught to keep track of their on-task behavior with the use of a timer and a self-monitoring checklist. The acronym CLAWS was used to help students remember what on-task behavior looked like. Data was …

Classroom Strategies To Increase Kindergarten Readiness Of Preschool Ell Students, Cirissa Afonja

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

There are more preschool children in the United States who are English Language Learners than any other age group. This research examines the effects of providing modeling, visuals, and music strategies to English Language Learners in a preschool classroom to increase their literacy, language, and communication skills. The study’s goal was to determine if the specific classroom strategies would improve the participants English language, literacy and communication skills to be kindergarten ready with their same age English speaking peers. The study used language surveys and an assessment to determine which students were English Language Learners, and if they needed …

Analysis Of Self, Nathan Wood

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The following analysis of self is narrative and reflection of the life and beliefs of the author. Information used within this reflection include the authors background information in domains related to relationships, academics, career, work, mental health, chemical health, culture, coping skills, strengths, resilience, and hobbies. Interviews with significant others are used to evaluate others perception of the author. This reflection also analyzes the impact this research has on the author in terms of their professional identity and future plans for development are discussed.

Effects Of An Elementary Immersion Program On Academic Achievement In Core Subject Areas, Marlee Schmidt

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study sought to find out if students who became bilingual score

higher, lower, or the same on standardized tests as their monolingual peers across

multiple disciplines. An answer was obtained by comparing the Minnesota

Comprehensive Assessment scores of Spanish language immersion students to

scores of non-immersion students for the following subject areas: reading in

grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10; math in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11; and science

in 5, 8, and high school. The scores used came from a graduating class of 2018

with approximately 342 students. Data was analyzed …

Dragon Ambassador Manual: A Guide For Dragon Ambassadors And Supervisors, Jamie Wepking

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This Action Plan B Project is the creation of the Dragon Ambassador Manual. This comprehensive manual was created to aid in the supervision of the Dragon Ambassadors and to provide information and resources to Dragon Ambassadors as they participate in the student leadership program.

Significant research exists that student leadership programs provide great service to our student leaders, faculty, staff, and campus communities. Implementing this manual to Dragon Ambassador program will allow the involved student leaders to work with prospective students and their peers more effectively while creating meaningful experiences and interactions.

Prospective students of MSU Moorhead will benefit from …

The Effect Of Extended Intervention Time On Reading Growth For Middle School Students, Performing Below Grade-Level In Reading, Mary Jean Dehne

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Study Abstract

The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effect of extended reading intervention time on the reading growth of middle school students who were below grade level in reading. The study used two research-based interventions: Read 180 in the school setting and Fast ForWord in the out of the school setting. The study conducted in a large midwest school district in the United States compared the reading growth of five students who received Read 180 at school and Fast ForWord after-school for five weeks during the spring term of the school year with a control …

The Effects Of Implementing A Zones Of Regulation Curriculum In A Third Grade Classroom, Jamie Hoffman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This research project examined how 24 third grade students in a rural school identified their feelings and categorized them in the appropriate zone, as determined by the Zones of Regulation Curriculum by Leah Kuypers (2011). It also analyzed what effect the implementation of the Zones of Regulation Curriculum would have on the number of conflicts in the classroom. Data were gathered on the number of conflicts in the classroom pre and post teaching the Zones of Regulation curriculum. The results were inconsistent; there was no evidence of an increase or decrease in conflicts resulting from the implementation of the Zones …

Using Coaching Strategies To Build Caregiver Capacity, Beth Hadrava

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This research study investigated the use of coaching strategies to foster engagement and build the capacity of caregivers of very young children receiving early intervention services. This study was conducted as a result of concerns regarding low caregiver engagement and unanswered questions about acquisition of caregivers’ skills. Four participants were included in this study. The researcher collected qualitative and quantitative data to examine the impact of using a coaching model with caregiver-participants. Interview data, engagement ratings and a research journal were used to collect engagement and caregiver capacity data. As a result of data collection and analysis, the author reported …

Factors Related To Successful Implementation Of An Aac Device For An Individual With Autism, Michaela Worms

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Communication impairment is a defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013); therefore, the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has become an essential part of language intervention for children with autism that experience significant difficulties with communication (Flores et al., 2012). Assessing children’s preferences for AAC options may be important with respect to AAC abandonment, which is a problem in the AAC field (Johnson, Inglebret, Jones, & Ray, 2006). This single-subject study identified factors related to successful implementation, acquisition, and usage of an AAC system. The clinician collected baseline data on the client’s spontaneous production …

Technological Resources Versus Non-Technological Resources, Samantha Sapa

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study is to help show that using technology as an instructional strategy will benefit students’ knowledge on certain concepts. Improving focus and engagement will lead to increased knowledge of students. This study’s participants included ten randomly selected second-graders. They focused on the concept of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes. At the beginning of this study, they were given a pre-assessment (see Appendix A) to show their current knowledge. When this study was completed, a post-assessment (see Appendix B) was given. Comparing the results of these two assessments helped to show that using technology, during teacher-led instruction, benefited …

The Effect Of Summer Vacation On Reading Level, Stacey Klinkhammer

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a lengthy break from school, with no formal academic activity, caused a decrease in a student’s academic achievement. Specifically, if reading scores decreased. The study aimed to compare two groups of high school students, primarily in grades 9-11. The study compared those who enrolled in summer school courses for remedial purposes and those who did not enroll in summer school. The study focused on students’ reading skills before and after their school’s summer vacation, which is approximately 12 weeks long. District assessments of student’s ability were the metrics used for …

Using Subitizing As A Math Lesson Warm-Up To Improve Automaticity Scores, Meagan Ferris

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of implementing 10-minute warm-ups before math lessons that included the structuring of numbers to 10 through the use of imaging with fingers, dots, 10-frames, bead, and dice flashes. The end result being an improvement in students’ abilities to compose and decompose numbers in addition or subtraction math facts. The study addressed the questions:

1. Can subitizing increase addition and subtraction automaticity?
2. How does the FastBridge Assessment Tool enable teachers to document how students use numbers flexibly (combining numbers to make another number)?
3. Can subitizing interventions be effective in helping students develop …