Education Commons^™

Xavier University's Discovering Life Science Program Evaluation Final Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

This document is the final report of the external evaluation of the project entitled: Implementing Inquiry and Technology in a Biology Lab for Pre–service Teachers and Non-majors embodied in Xavier University’s laboratory course Biol-125: Discovering Life Science and funded under the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (HER.) award no. DUE#99-50373. The period of NSF funding for this two-year project of the NSF/HER/DUE Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Program was June 1, 1999 through May 31, 2001. There are several accomplishments that the University and the principal investigators can …

Environmental Economics A Teacher's Guide, Sandra Allmond Bagley

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this thesis is to incorporate economics into lectures on environmental issues. This guide introduces several environmental issues, discusses the laws and regulations governing these issues, and discusses the economic instruments discussed in this guide are those that have been incorporated into environmental laws. These instruments allow environmental protection goals to be met at the least cost. Economic instruments are more flexible than command and control regulations and allow firms to choose the least cost method of reaching goals. Economic instruments also encourage advances in new technology. Students will be more receptive to the concept of using economics …

Re-Designing University Curricula As A Long-Term Solution To Graduate Unemployment In Nigeria., Peter Okebukola

Bullion

Education has been identified as the most powerful instrument for social reform, which imparts knowledge, skills and character to the individual through teaching, learning and experiential activity labor surplus economy. This paper examines the high level of unemployment in Nigeria, with a view to proffer development of entrepreneurial skills and initiatives as way out. The study conclude that investment is essential for growth and productivity, while domestic savings provide the needed resources for investment. Only sound and effective monetary policy can guarantee price stability, which is a necessary condition for sustainable growth. Government policies, institutions and governance matter. Nigeria's current …

Jaepl, Vol. 7, Winter 2001-2002, Linda T. Calendrillo, Editor, Kristie S. Fleckenstein, Editor

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Morris Berman tells the story of his maternal grandfather, who, when he was five years old in 1883 or 1884, was sent to a Jewish elementary school in Belorussia. On the first day of class, the teacher startled the young boy by taking each child's slate and smearing the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet—aleph and beys—on it in honey. His grandfather's first lesson consisted of eating the letters off the slate. The symbolism of this act is complex, Berman muses, but central to the ritual is the belief that what is real must be taken into oneself, ingested: …

Changing Mathematical Discourse: A Case Study Of A Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Mary Lynn Breyfogle

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Using A Civil Procedure Exam Question To Teach Persuasion, Sophie M. Sparrow

Law Faculty Scholarship

Studies show that learners master new material more effectively when it builds upon what they already know. By revisiting assignments from a previous semester, students can focus their efforts on persuading, rather than learning new doctrine or facts. Turning a predictive discussion into a persuasive argument demonstrates that making an argument requires the same rigorous thinking as predicting a result. One way to do this is to assign students to write an argument based on their fall Civil Procedure exam.

The Benefits Of Supplementing The Eighth Grade American History Curriculum With Historical And Realistic Fiction Novels, Susan Shadle

MALS Final Projects, 1995-2019

As the textbook remains the driving force of instructional methodology in the secondary history curriculum, student enthusiasm and achievement in the discipline continue to decline. Textbooks, which fail to tell the complete story of the American experience, are not just shortchanging history, they are ill-suited to the developmental requirements of the adolescent learner. Through personal classroom experience, literature review, and a one-year site-based study, the evidence compiled in this study endorses the integration of social studies trade books, in particular historical and realistic fiction novels, as a prescription for diminishing, if not turning around, the discouraging trend in middle school …

Learning To Construct Proofs In A First Course On Mathematical Proof, Peter R. Atwood

Dissertations

This study examined the conceptions o f proof that undergraduate students have upon entry to a transition course on mathematical proof how they develop skill in planning and reporting proofs, obstacles encountered, and effects of instruction on their performance in solidifying schema in proof-planning and proof-reporting.

The subjects were sophomores and juniors (n=16) in a transition course at a large midwestern university. The course was taught by one o f the co-authors o f the text, "Mathematical Proofs" (Chartrand, Polimeni, and Zhang, 1999, in press). Assessment of learning to construct proofs was through quizzes and a final exam developed by …

How Many Blocks To The Empire State Building? : An Original Story, Enakshi Bose

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Presents a children's story for eight and nine year old children that poses several mathematical questions, including the central one of how many blocks it is from the 215th Street subway station in Inwood to the Empire State Building. Photographs and maps enhance the mathematical concepts involved. Discusses the developmental appropriateness of the book's content and how the material meets various standards in mathematics.

How Intervention Techniques Altered And Affected Various Teacher And Student Behaviors In A Physical Education Class With The Use Of A Mentor Teacher, Jennifer Lynn Seybert

Student Dissertations & Theses

Teaching behavior was assessed in this study over a period of two months in an elementary physical education setting. One non-certified physical education teacher served as the subject. The subject’s teaching behaviors were recorded during eight forty-five minutes classes. The eight sessions were broken down into four cycles with two observations per cycle. Each observation was followed with feedback from the investigator on problem areas. The subject was given suggestions for improvement. Data was accumulated through the use of the Arizona State University Observation Instrument. Variables recorded included event recording for (a) use of first names, (b) pre-instruction, (c) concurrent …

Learning To Serve-Serving To Learn, Anne E Zaki

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Multilevel Text Sets In A Middle School Classroom, Merryl Gladstone

Graduate Student Independent Studies

As students reach middle school, they are expected to read on grade level and to have mastered the complex process of reading. In fact, many students are still mastering the skills necessary for fluent reading of grade level material. The struggling readers need to read instructional level material and receive instruction in decoding, fluency and comprehension. Indeed many middle school students would benefit from reading instruction, as the reading demands in middle school are very different than those faced in elementary school. Middle school reading draws much of its material from expository texts, while elementary school programs typically use narrative …

Testing Testing In The Education Wars: Still A Test With No Key, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article describes contentious Issues in the quest to develop human resources in the service of the body politic.

Determinants Of Teachers' Intentions To Teach Physically Active Physical Education Classes, Jeffrey J. Martin, Pamela Hodges Kulinna, Robert C. Eklund, Brett Reed

Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine determinants of teachers' intentions to teach physically active physical education classes (i.e., spend at least 50% of class time with the students engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity). Based on the theories of reasoned action, planned behavior, and self-efficacy, a model was examined hypothesizing that teachers' intentions were determined by subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioral control, and self-efficacy. Using hierarchical regression analyses, the theories of reasoned action and planned behavior were supported by accounting for 65% of the variance in intention due to the main effects of attitude and subjective …

The Effects Of Educational Development Plans Motivation To Learn, And Attitudes And Behaviors Toward Learning Among Eighth Graders, Mary Alice Schultz-Krajenta

Dissertations

Educational Development Plans (EDP) have been utilized by school students to structure their curricular programs to meet their high school educational outcomes and to align their curriculum with their desired adult roles. The focus of this study was to examine the effects of EDPs on motivation, attitudes and behaviors towards learning.

A total of 342 eighth-grade students participated in this research which utilized a quantitative and a qualitative approach. The quantitative study used existing data obtained from a small Midwest school district. There were 151 students in the treatment group and 191 students in the control group. Scores from the …

Relationships Between Learning Disabilities And The Original Seven Multiple Intelligences And Strategies To Incorporate The Two Domains, Michael P. Callahan

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

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Evaluating Attainment Of Global Education Goals, Silva Kurtisa

Master's Capstone Projects

Movement that might be labeled "global education" has been existent in the United States for about 30 years. Global education content has been substantially expanding during evolution of the term. It may be drawn from all social sciences subjects but should not be limited to them. Recognizing that global education cannot be defined in terms of discipline, educators may infuse a global perspective in all subjects. A number of learning activities, resources, and teaching methodologies that contribute to a truly global curriculum have also been emerging and are described here. However, various descriptions and vague definitions of global education have …

A Model Of Academic Program Review For Program Improvement, Azat Muradov

Master's Capstone Projects

The purpose is to develop a model of academic program review for program improvement and determine the implications of this model for institutionalization at Turkmen higher education institutions. The study builds on the communalities in institutional approaches relative to designing, conducting and using program review at selected public universities in the United States. The study is primarily concerned with institutional approaches that are oriented towards improving academic programs.

Communalities in improvement-oriented academic program reviews share earlier findings in the research. In the reviewed documents, the key role belonged to the program individuals. Other characteristics included facilitating faculty participation in all …

Kinsey Dialogue Series #3: Landscaping The Learning Environment To Create A Home For The Complex Mind, Jan Visser

Participatory Research & Practice

I am going to use the opportunity presented by the 2001 David Kinsey Lecture to bring together some of the ideas expressed in my recent work, and to reflect on my decades-long experience in creating the conditions for the development of learning in an international context that experience, and my reflections on it, has led me to recognize that learning is an immensely more complex phenomenon than most of our current practice to promote and facilitate it would have us believe. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that the complex human mind is poorly at home in much of …

Landscaping The Learning Environment To Create A Home For The Complex Mind, Jan Visser

Participatory Research & Practice

I am going to use the opportunity presented by the 2001 David Kinsey lecture to bring together some ideas expressed in m recent work and to reflect on my decades-long experience in creating the conditions for the development of learning in an international context. That experience, and my reflections on it, has led me to recognize that learning is an immensely more complex phenomenon than most of our current practice to promote and facilitate it would have us believe. Consequently, I have come to the conclusion that the complex human mind is poorly at home in much of the environment …

Recipe For Reading: A Handbook For Parents In A First Grade Classroom, Katherine R. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

A handbook, supported by research on parent involvement and reading was developed to help promote literacy in beginning readers. The handbook incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to participate in pre-assigned activities together. Each activity involves a different type of strategy designed to help their child become a successful reader.

Strategies For Reaching At-Risk Elementary Students For Teachers Grades K-5, Lisa T. Boyd

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a handbook to assist elementary teachers meeting the needs of at-risk students. The strategies and ideas included in the handbook were selected on the bases of current research and literature. In addition, input was solicited from teachers, parents, and administrators for the Clover Park School District in the State of Washington.

Teaching Video Production In The Secondary Art Classroom: An Educational Travel Log, William Lee Daggett

All Graduate Projects

This project is intended to serve as a model and resource for secondary teachers seeking to incorporate video production into their curriculum. A central premise of the project is that video production can serve as a valuable learning tool when it is part of an integrated, project based instructional program. The sample model used here is an educational travel log. A secondary art students' trip to Europe was undertaken. The various steps in how the trip was set up and how the curriculum was organized is the focus of the project. Students' roles, responsibilities, and activities are described, along with …

Introducing A Foreign Language Experience Into The Elementary Curriculum: A Flex Curriculum Handbook, Deborah Michelle Doherty

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been created to assist elementary educators integrating Spanish into their curriculum. Lesson plans, activities, and supplemental materials are developed based on The Standards for Foreign Language Leaming, recommended and published by the National Association of Foreign Language Teachers and are aligned to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements (EALRs) adopted by The Washington State Commission on Student Leaming. Current literature and research involving the benefits of teaching foreign language to elementary children are studied.

Curriculum To Help Teachers Support Student's Development Of Writing Strategies, Christine Elizabeth English

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to create a curriculum that can be used to support students as they develop writing strategies. Current literature and research on the writing process and writers' workshop is explored. The project describes procedures, methods, and activities used to develop the curriculum. The project makes use of the Washington State Essential Leaming Requirements. The project explores use of the curriculum that was developed and how it can be adapted to meet individual needs.

An Instructional Handbook For Creating A Fourth Grade Classroom Home Page, John R. Getzinger

All Graduate Projects

When technology is used in the classroom, students are prepared for the future, the individual needs of students can be met, students are provided with interactive learning and the value of computers are demonstrated to students and faculty. The purpose of this project was to develop a handbook for teachers of fourth grade students at Church Creek Elementary in the Stanwood - Camano School District that would assist in creating a classroom web page. The web page would allow parents and other interested parties to see what was taking place in the classroom. In order to create the handbook, the …

A Model Program For Transitioning Students From Naches Valley Middle School To Naches Valley High School, Anne Mccormick Berg

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model program for the eighth grade graduates from Naches Valley Middle School transitioning to the ninth grade at Naches Valley High School. The intent of the program was to increase the ninth grade student academic and social success. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature, research and selected programs related to transitioning middle school students and parent involvement in the transition, were studied. A program was designed, developed and implemented at Naches Valley High School in the Naches Valley School District, Naches, Washington.

Developing Reading Skills Through The Use Of Music, Toni Baffaro Hobbs

All Graduate Projects

Music is a powerful language that can enhance a classroom. This project was designed to support early literacy by using music. Songs were chosen and activities designed to supplement a beginning reading program. A compact disc of the songs was created to use in conjunction with the activities. It is hoped that the utilization of singing and reading together will not only help children learn to read but also foster a love for reading.

Navigating The Reading Maze: Family Involvement Activities To Help Your Second Grade Child In The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Become A Better Reader, Rita Mariposa Kretschman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a partnership with the author's students and their parents in the area of reading. This project is the development of a parent handbook with state and district reading frameworks as well as a curricular project for home use. Activities and strategies suggested are the same as those used within the author's classroom.

Integrating Technology Into A Seventh Grade Curriculum, Carrie Lynn Petersen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a curriculum guide that served to integrate a seventh grade classroom with computer technology to enhance the existing block curriculum and facilitate student learning. This project takes place at Forks Middle School in Forks, Washington. Attention was placed on providing strategies for managing technology in the classroom. In order to incorporate technology into the classroom curriculum, the guide included the development of original technology based lessons and a modification of existing classroom assignments. Infusing technology into a standard curriculum required several adaptations. Those included using a scaffolding lesson planner to target essential …