Education Commons^™

Identifying Advantages To Teaching Linear Regression In A Modeling And Simulation Introductory Statistics Curriculum, Kit Harris Clement

Dissertations and Theses

Statistical association is a key facet of statistical literacy: claims based on relationships between variables or ideas rooted in data are found everywhere in media and discourse. A key development in introductory statistics curricula is the use of simulation-based inference, which has shown positive outcomes for students, especially in regards to statistical literacy and conceptual understanding. In this dissertation project, I investigate students from the Change Agents for the Teaching and Learning of STatistics (CATALST) curriculum in activities I designed for learning statistical association and linear regression. First, I analyzed the informal line fitting strategies of CATALST students. Findings suggest …

The Influence Of Mentorship On K-5 General Education Teachers: A Study Of Southeastern Schools In Virginia, Katherine Ryan Goldburg

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The current teacher shortage and the demand for high quality teachers presents a nationwide educational problem. Additionally, more than one-third of teachers leave the profession within the first five years of their careers (Callahan, 2015). The most vital and systemic change that is needed in our educational landscape is the attraction, retention, and professional development of quality teachers (Darling-Hammond & Sykes, 2003). If school district administrators expect new teachers to succeed, they need to provide them with unprecedented levels of support. This qualitative research study examined new elementary education teachers' perceptions of the influence of their mentorship program and the …

Use Of Modeling To Support Students’ Learning Of Energy Concepts, Delaney Carone, Ashley Perkins

Honors Theses

This paper presents a method for teaching energy concepts to children to children. By implementing modeling and the predict-observe-explain method, teachers can greatly improve critical thinking skills and abstract conception capacity in young students. The main focus of this lesson is based on the disciplinary core idea of Energy, and specifically on 4-PS3-1: Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object (NGSS Lead States, 2012). Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standard 4.PS3.1, the lesson gives examples of activities and tips on how teachers can teach students to explain how …

Tinkering Towards Theories: The Role Of Tinkering In Building Scientific Models, Shakayla Moran

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Tinkering and modeling have increasingly gained traction within science education. For this study, I adopt the construct of tinkering, which is usually applied to the development of tangible artifacts and consider how this activity might apply to the development of novel models and theoretical objects in science. Data was collected from student artifacts and coding of transcripts was performed to identify how students design models in science, with a focus on how students engage in tinkering when doing so. Using a multiple case study approach, I examined two cases of undergraduate pre-service science teachers’ development of models of light and …

Mentor Modeling Mismatch: Power Dynamics In Cooperating Teacher's Modeling For Preservice Teachers, Morgan Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

Through the use of interview and observation data, collected over two years, this qualitative study describes the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of two Cooperating Teachers (CTs) and their assigned Pre Service Teachers (PST; n = 12) who were mentored over the course of two Special Education practicum experiences and five CT professional development trainings. Special attention was focused on the ways that CTs and PSTs describe modeling and how CTs’ modeling seemed to affect the CT/PST relationship. Participant responses were analyzed using a qualitative narrative method and indicated that CT’s use of modeling served primarily as a socializing process in …

Mentor Modeling Mismatch: Power Dynamics In Cooperating Teacher's Modeling For Preservice Teachers, Morgan Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

Through the use of interview and observation data, collected over two years, this qualitative study describes the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of two Cooperating Teachers (CTs) and their assigned Pre Service Teachers (PST; n = 12) who were mentored over the course of two Special Education practicum experiences and five CT professional development trainings. Special attention was focused on the ways that CTs and PSTs describe modeling and how CTs’ modeling seemed to affect the CT/PST relationship. Participant responses were analyzed using a qualitative narrative method and indicated that CT’s use of modeling served primarily as a socializing process in …

The Impact Of An Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environment With Computer-Aided Design And Three-Dimensional Modeling Through Stem Middle-School Education Programming, Danielle Eve Schneider

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Immersive virtual reality as a tool in the middle-school classroom is a promising avenue to aid in cognitively challenging tasks requiring access to visual processes. As these tools become ever present in society, the expectation of school districts to include them into classroom curricula has become challenging, as there is inconsistent data connecting to beneficial learning outcomes. Middle-School STEM classrooms experience an exceptional challenge in the expectation to build strong spatial reasoning skills on rudimentary geometry concepts. It is with that in mind that many 21st-century technology classrooms turn to immersive virtual reality, such as Oculus Rift, as a tool …

Training Peer Mentors In Reinforcement And Modeling With Prompting (Ramp): Using Mixed Reality Simulation To Encourage Social Reciprocity Skills In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jasmine V. Sadler

Doctor of Education in Special Education Dissertations

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can face many challenges, including limited ability in social reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests as a result of the disorder (APA, 2013). This hinders their ability to build and maintain friendships in the same manner as their typically developing peers and affects their interactions, speech and language abilities, and emotional regulation (Whitman & DeWitt, 2011). Peer Mentors (PMs) are trained to support the development of these skills as part of the Peer Mediated Instruction and Intervention (PMII) evidence-based practice (EBP). However, and explicit training program is not always …

Using Admissions Data To Create A First-Semester Academic Success Model, David James Byrnes Jr.

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Higher education is attracting more students from diverse background especially at public community colleges. These institutions can help these students attain a quality education at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, community colleges have lower graduation rates than 4-year institutions in part due to the diverse needs and variety in academic preparedness amongst their populations. It can be difficult to identify students most at risk of performing poorly until it is too late. There are multiple ways to predict students’ performance. In this study, three common data mining techniques are compared for their accuracy in predicting academic success using only data collected …

The Effects Of Modeling High-Leverage Practices On Classroom Management Skills, Lainie Santos Torres

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to see how using High-Leverage Practices with a novice teacher would affect her classroom management skills in a lower elementary, Montessori classroom. Teaching in a lower elementary, Montessori classroom is always difficult as it is a mixed-age environment of first through third grade students. It is also difficult when the teacher is new to the field of teaching. Since many teachers come to teaching from other careers, learning how to effectively manage their classrooms is an on-going struggle. This study focuses on what happens when a master teacher, with more than 20 years of …

Seeing The World Differently. An Exploration Of A Professional Development Model Bridging Science And Lay Cultures, Michael D. Garrett

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the rationale, efficacy, and social validity of a professional development model designed to move elementary school science activities closer to the practices of working scientists as required by the United States’ “Next Generation Science Standards.” The model is culturally sensitive and aims to create experiences with high subjective task value. The formal theory of change uses scaffolding, Piagetian agency, and Vygotskian learning opportunities to argue that culturally familiar representational tasks in culturally natural intersubjective contexts can lead to work prototypical of scientific modeling under particular facilitation conditions: when participants (a) are allowed free use of their cognitive …

A New Literacy Coach And Two English Language Arts Teachers Learn Together: A Narrative Inquiry, Christiana C. Succar

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Literacy coaching is not new to education. Since the 2001 shift in the United States (U.S.) educational policy towards high-quality teacher training, accountability, and student achievement, literacy or reading coach positions have been a core part of the educational institution (U. S. Department of Education, 2003). However, with undefined coaching roles and inadequate coach training early in the initiative, minimal impact on effective teacher development and instructional shifts towards closing the achievement gap occurred (Dole, 2003; International Reading Association, 2004).

In the past ten years, more understanding of literacy coaches’ roles and responsibilities has occurred with the publication of numerous …

How Teachers Use Data In Instruction, Laura Ann Drake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A portion of teachers in the United States educational system don'€™t use data to inform and improve their instruction resulting in actionable change. A gap exists between teachers having and interpreting data and making meaning in such a way that leads to actionable change in instruction. The purpose of this case study was to investigate how teachers used data to alter instruction and identify factors that inhibited or supported teachers in using data to drive instructional practice. This study was guided by Ackoff'€™s theory of action cycle, which included interaction, dialogue, data discoveries, and team response to data. The research …

The Effects Of Video Modeling On Complimentary Behaviors Towards Children With Disabilities In Typically Developing Children: A Case Study, Rhodes D. Wroth

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Video modeling has been an effective instructional tool to teach children with disabilities, however, there is less research on the effectiveness of video modeling to teach typically developing children. The participants of this study were two typically developing children, and they were siblings of child with a disability. This study used an ABAB experimental design to graph, and visually determine differences between control and intervention sessions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of video modeling to teach typically developing children verbal complimentary behaviors in an inclusive physical activity setting. The results of this study found video …

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 …

Read Like You Are Talking To A Friend: The Effects Of Using A Systematic Approach, Including Teacher Modeling, Repeated Reading, And Corrective Feedback On The Reading Fluency And Prosody Of Students In A 6-9-Year-Old Public Montessori Classroom, Catherine E. Munro, Julie A. Foltmer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine effective ways to improve fluency among lower elementary Montessori students. The study was comprised of 33 students ages 6-9 who attend public Montessori classrooms in North America. The field of research on reading fluency and comprehension was surveyed as a background to support this action research study, which utilized an experimental design, collecting quantitative data through student-generated artifacts. The researchers implemented a reading block into their Montessori classrooms. The large and small group lessons focused on modeled readings from the teacher, repeated readings, and corrective feedback. Data was collected at the beginning …

The Impact Of Grace And Courtesy Instruction And Modeling On The Normalization Of A Montessori Primary Classroom, Kara A. Mahan

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research studied the effect of instructing and modeling grace and courtesy lessons on the normalization of a primary Montessori classroom. The study was conducted at a private, in-home Montessori classroom serving children three to six years of age. Nine students received daily presentations of grace and courtesy lessons over four weeks totaling twenty lessons in all. Sources of data included student-teacher conferencing, tally sheets, behavioral self-assessments, and teacher journaling. Instructing and modeling grace and courtesy lessons resulted in an increase in desired behaviors, a more positive classroom environment, and additional knowledge gained on this subject. Throughout this study, …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Model-Based Instruction To Improve Sixth-Grade Students’ Science Content Knowledge, Scot D. Ewen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The economy of tomorrow is uncertain, so students today need to be prepared for the known and unknown careers that lie ahead. Currently, not all students are expected to have equal career opportunities based on evidence from dropout and testing data (Brown & Brown, 2007; Kirsch, Braun, Yamamoto, & Sum, 2007), so educators should consider different methods of helping all students reach their potential. Modeling instruction is one method that might help diverse learners improve their scientific understandings and allow them to pursue careers in technology-oriented fields. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 128 sixth grade students as participants. A …

Improving The Performance Of Physical Activity Skills For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Modeling: A Systematic Review, Nathan C. Merrill

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the body of literature on modeling interventions to improve physical activity skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods: A systematic review was implemented to identify and further examine studies that met inclusion criteria. Searches were conducted through four electronic databases within the Humboldt State University Library and included: SPORTDiscus, PubMed/Medline, ERIC, and PsychINFO.A following search was conducted of an individual search of one major journal focused on disseminating research in adapted physical education (i.e., Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly [APAQ]) and one major journal focused on disseminating research for individuals with …

A Qualitative Case Study Examining The Impact Of Teacher Feedback During The Research Writing Process In A Ninth Grade Honors Class, Jessica M. Mattson

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine the impact teacher feedback had on ninth grade English honors students during the research writing process. This study examined student writing and the corresponding teacher feedback during the outline, rough draft, and final draft of a formal research essay to examine how the feedback helped improve student writing skills and overall ability to meet the learning targets. Based on the results of the study, the number of student errors decreased significantly in the final draft of the essay after using the outline and rough draft teacher feedback, suggesting that the …

More Than Food: An Analysis Of Multidimensional Relationships In Our Food System, Jessica Erin Newnan

Honors Theses and Capstones

Food is an integral part of everyday life for human beings, thus meriting particular attention from research and education. Looking further in depth at the factors that influence food, it becomes apparent that this is a complex topic that is related to several systems within the constructs of society. Here, the food system is approached with the understanding that several systems influence food consumption options and decisions including the agricultural, economic, education, energy, health, and political systems. To identify the relationships more closely, a three-dimensional model was built to represent the food system and depict several key factors, their relationships, …

Comparing Game Simulation To Concept Models For Student-Centered Learning In Biology, Margaurete Romero

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Science education research continues to demonstrate improved learning with active-learning techniques compared to lectures. However, the question of which active-learning methods are the most effective for learning complex scientific principles in various context still remains. Models are commonly used in activities that allow students to simplify complex systems and understand how components interact. I investigated the outcomes for student learning and engagement of two model-based activities - concept models and game simulations. The activities were conducted in an introductory biology course in sixteen discussion sections. Eight sections were assigned to the concept model activity and eight to the simulation activity. …

Effect Of Modeling Instruction On Concept Knowledge Among Ninth Grade Physics Students, Devin Alan Ditmore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A basic knowledge of physics concepts is the gateway to success through high-paying careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Many students show little understanding of concepts following traditional physics instruction. As an alternative to current lecture-based approaches for high school physics instruction, Piaget's theory of cognitive development supports using real scientific experiences to lead learners from concrete to formal understanding of complex concepts. Modeling instruction (MI) is a pedagogy that guides learners through genuine scientific experiences. This project study analyzed the effects of MI on 9th grade physics students' gains on the test measuring mastery of physics concepts, …

Evaluation Of Student Progress To Goals: Tracking Positive Behavior Changes Among Students Identified With Special Needs Grades 1 To 3, Julia Ries

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

There has been an increase in the number of children identified and served, in school settings, and in the community at large, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA.) Many school-based programs focus on mainstreaming students with disabilities. However, few programs exist for children between the ages of 5 and 9 who need positive behavior intervention services because they lack socially appropriate interaction skills.

The research literature revealed that students who lack appropriate social interaction skills are often placed into mainstream general class settings, where results of student improvement in social interaction skills are mixed. There is a gap …

The Impact Of Design-Based Modeling Instruction On Seventh Graders' Spatial Abilities And Model-Based Argumentation, William J. Mcconnell

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Due to the call of current science education reform for the integration of engineering practices within science classrooms, design-based instruction is receiving much attention in science education literature. Although some aspect of modeling is often included in well-known design-based instructional methods, it is not always a primary focus. The purpose of this study was to better understand how design-based instruction with an emphasis on scientific modeling might impact students' spatial abilities and their model-based argumentation abilities. In the following mixed-method multiple case study, seven seventh grade students attending a secular private school in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States …

A Predictive Modeling System: Early Identification Of Students At-Risk Enrolled In Online Learning Programs, Mary L. Fonti

CCE Theses and Dissertations

Predictive statistical modeling shows promise in accurately predicting academic performance for students enrolled in online programs. This approach has proven effective in accurately identifying students who are at-risk enabling instructors to provide instructional intervention. While the potential benefits of statistical modeling is significant, implementations have proven to be complex, costly, and difficult to maintain. To address these issues, the purpose of this study is to develop a fully integrated, automated predictive modeling system (PMS) that is flexible, easy to use, and portable to identify students who are potentially at-risk for not succeeding in a course they are currently enrolled in. …

A Program Evaluation Of My MathTm: Improving Student Computational Fluency Through Inquiry-Based Instruction, Andrea Townsend

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This program evaluation study addressed a critical deficiency in early childhood math proficiency for a local urban school district. To strengthen students' skills in mathematics, the district adopted the Common Core State Standards and piloted an inquiry-based instructional program called My Math. The purpose of this project study was to determine the extent to which My Math met the goals of improving Grades K-2 students' math proficiency. The conceptual framework was based on theories of multiple intelligences, social learning, and foundations of social development. The National Program Evaluation Standards were used to guide the program evaluation. The research questions centered …

Predictive Modeling And Alumni Fundraising In Higher Education, Mark Walcott

Theses and Dissertations

Institutions of higher education can benefit from using predictive modeling and data mining techniques to enhance capital and fundraising campaigns to yield higher levels of financial contributions. The purpose of this study was to enhance the sophistication of alumni fundraising by using predictive modeling and data mining techniques to address: (a) What factors are most likely to predict the likelihood of alumni making a financial contribution, and (b) What factors are most significant in predicting the amount of money alumni will contribute. Among the 17 variables used by this study those of significance for predicting the likelihood to give included: …

Learning By Design: Technology Preparation For "Digital Native" Preservice Teachers, Liangyue Lu

Dissertations - ALL

Effective technology integration in teaching requires teachers to construct technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). To help teachers develop TPACK, the learning environment must address the situated nature and complex interplay of technology, pedagogy and content. Learning By design (LBD) has been proposed as one promising instructional model to create such a learning environment. To explore effective and theory-grounded technology instruction for digital native preservice teachers, an LBD environment was designed, developed and implemented in a technology integration course for preservice teachers. Using design-based research methodologies, this dissertation research study is intended to explore whether LBD is effective in helping digital …

The Development Of A Performance Progression For Science Teachers' Implementation Of Model-Based Teaching, Christopher Bogiages

Theses and Dissertations

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) call for science teachers to implement pedagogical strategies that can approximate authentic scientific practices. One such strategy, Model-Based Teaching, engages students in learning the disciplinary core ideas of science through the process of developing and using Scientific Models. Model-Based Teaching is a difficult pedagogical strategy for teachers to learn and implement. Factors such as Knowledge of Scientific Models and Modeling (KSM), understanding of the Nature of Science (NOS), and use of questioning to facilitate whole class discussions play important roles in the development of teachers' ability to implement Model-Based Teaching. This study employed a …