Education Commons^™

Using A Computer Simulation To Teach Science Process Skills To College Biology And Elementary Majors, Aimée T. Lee, Rosalina V. Hairston, Rachel Thames, Tonya Lawrence, Sherry S. Herron

Faculty Publications

The Lateblight computer simulation (Arneson and Ticknor, 1990) has been implemented in the general biology laboratory and the science methods course for elementary teachers to reinforce the processes of science and to allow the students to engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate the methods of building concepts in science. The students develop testable hypotheses and then use the program to run experiments and collect data. In addition, they research relevant background information and subsequently present their results in a poster during class.

Imsa 2061 Program Year 2001-2002 Summary Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

In 2000 IMSA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Project 2061 established a partnership, IMSA 2061, to offer unique and nationally recognized professional development programs for mathematics and science teachers and education leaders. Participants in the IMSA 2061 professional development programs learn to use the tools, research, and experiences of education reform to enable all students to achieve the learning expressed in state and national standards. Activities described in this report fall into two categories, Introductory Workshops and long-term programs with districts. IMSA 2061 Introductory Workshops help educators become aware of how to apply Project 2061 publications …

Educational Alternatives For Everyone: A Handbook For Educators, Families, Politicans, Don E. Glines

Books

"Definitive history of the educational alternatives school efforts and documents the need for non-traditional learning programs for most learners - includes 1100 resource references available in 2002"--Don E. Glines, 2023.

Parent Perceptions Of The Effectiveness Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding For Children With Varying Disabilities, Anita L. Scialli

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Disabilities affect 54 million people and 4.4 million children in the U.S. and are of importance to special education faculty (Center for Disease Control 2000). A survey design examines the effectiveness of human-animal interaction, specifically horseback riding, in children with varying disabilities.

Therapeutic horseback riding as an animal assisted therapy, aims to promote mind and body integration through movement (psychomotricity) and the human-animal bond (Delta Society, 2001a; Spink, 1993, All, Loving & Crane, 1999). Effectiveness is measured by parent assessment of improvement in 67 child behaviors resulting from child participation in horseback riding, using a new Horseback Riding Survey. Behaviors …

Learning Through Meaningful Work: The Post Office Job At City & Country School, Scott Moran

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study is a description of the Post Office job at City & Country School. The school runs a jobs program for children ages eight to thirteen years old (third - eight grades). The eight year old group runs the school Post Office. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to City & Country School. Chapter 2 discusses the Post Office job and its development through the course of a school year. Chapter 3 discusses the developmental orientation of the jobs program. Finally, chapter 4 raises other topics for discussion, including the possible sociopolitical implications and subject integration issues involved in …

A Neighborhood Curriculum For Kindergarten And First Grades, Kathy L. Rubin

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper is a curriculum study of a school neighborhood designed for children ages 5 through 7. The goal of this study is to provide an opportunity for students, who at this age are beginning to expand outward from the roots of their homes and families, to understand their next immediate neighborhood (their school). They will have a chance to meet people who work in the neighborhood, learn about how we get around and from where things come. And then, from that vantage point the students can begin to broaden their perspective and view of their world.

This study is …

Reading And Phonological Awareness Gains In A Second/Third Grade Bridge Class, Lian Chen

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a fundamental skill that is used on a daily basis as we are bombarded with print. It is also the basis for the majority of formal education. When someone lacks the skills and strategies needed to read, reading becomes a frustrating experience. The key to overcoming deficits in reading is prevention utilizing research-based methodology. This widely debated topic has lead to the recognition of the necessity of the infusing of phonics into the instruction. In this study, a one-on-one, cross age peer tutoring program using systematic, explicit phonics instruction, Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons, …

Music Of The Mind: An Examination Of Music As A Communication Conduit For Autistic Children In An Educational Atmosphere, Sarah A. Mcgovern

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Topics covered in this investigation are autism, music therapy, and education. Music has a unique way to communicate and touch people like no other medium. It knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries and can be used for various therapeutic reasons, such as autism. This study investigates whether music is an effective form of communication for autistic children in and educational environment. Books, journal articles and websites related to these topics were used as sources in this research project. In addition, the author conducted a survey to receive a better idea of how the public views the affect music has …

Promoting Equality And Access In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of State Sponsored Preferential Policies In Great Britain, India And South Africa, Lanaia C. Dubose

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Recent U.S. court decisions striking down affirmative action policies in college admissions have caused universities to seek diversity programs that can hold up to public and Jesa1 scrutiny while maintaining diversity on campus. The purpose of this thesis is to study the preference programs of other countries and determine if successful elements could be duplicated here in the United States. Specifically, the study looks at whether countries who use equality of opportunity programs (which focus on training initiatives) are more successful in increasing enrollment and hiring numbers of minorities than equality of outcome measures (which focus on quotas). The study …

It’S Time To Upgrade: Tests And Administration Procedures For The New Millennium, Michael Russell

Essays in Education

Increasing use of computers in schools has led to a mis-alignment between the way some students develop skill and knowledge and how they are tested. This paper reviews past research that demonstrates that paper-based tests that require students to produce written responses underestimate the achievement of students who are accustomed to writing on computer. The paper then explores how learning that occurs through other instructional uses of computers is not adequately captured by current testing practices. The paper argues that new approaches should be explored to better measure student learning.

Museum Educators' Workshop Study Highlights: Attracting And Retaining Teachers In Museum-Sponsored Professional Development Programs, Steven Rogg

Steven R Rogg

Following Phase I, of the Museums In the Park Study, the Planning Team used this information to design and conduct the Museum Educators’ Workshop event on March 15, 2002. Highlights of the Phase-I study were also presented to participants at the workshop event.

Maps-Ii Study Final Report For The Initiative “Museums And Public Schools” On Behalf Of Museums In The Park And Chicago Public Schools, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

The Museums and Public Schools (MAPS) initiative intends to “create a lasting impact on teaching and learning by integrating museum resources into the educational process and serve as a national model.” It is conceived as a “sustained partnership of museums and schools, students and teachers,” engaging them in “authentic learning experiences.” This is to be accomplished primarily via the explicit incorporation of relevant (as indicated by the Chicago Academic Standards) cultural, historical, and scientific resources of Chicago’s world-class museums into the curriculum of Chicago Public Schools. The result is to be an experience of education that is powerfully rich, engaging, …

Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Classroom Assessment: Implications On The Implementation Of School-Based Assessment In Malawi, Chokocha Mathias Selemani-Mbewe

Master's Capstone Projects

The study investigated a sample of Malawi Secondary School teachers’ knowledge, attitude and practice of classroom assessment. A knowledge of classroom test and an attitude toward classroom test survey were administered to 51 qualified teachers from six randomly selected secondary schools. Focus group discussions were also conducted to get an in depth understanding of the problem under investigation. Two schools were national secondary schools; two were district boarding schools, and other two were district day secondary schools. The results of the study indicate that although the teachers had positive attitudes toward classroom assessment, they had very limited knowledge in this …

Malawi Teachers' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Towards Standardized Tests, Leah Kaira

Master's Capstone Projects

Standardized tests play a great role in education. In Malawi, results of these tests are used to make: critical decisions about individuals, hence the need for students to be well prepared. Students' performance can be influenced by their teachers' attitude toward and knowledge of standardized tests. This survey was designed to establish Malawian teachers· knowledge of standardized tests and their attitude towards these tests. While the teachers displayed positive attitudes, it was found that they would benefit from more knowledge about standardized tests.

Kinsey Dialogue Series #4: Claiming Global Space: Global Grassroots Movements, Srilatha Batliwala

Participatory Research & Practice

The influence of transnational civil society organizations and networks - both civil and uncivil - in global politics and unprecedented. Among them, those dedicated to greater social and economic equity and equality, to human security, ecological sustainability, peace, inclusion, and tolerance, have played a particularly effective role in restructuring the norms that inform policy and regulatory frameworks for the world. Some scholarly analysts grant that they have in fact effectively restructured global politics in visible and lasting ways. For this very reason, perhaps, their legitimacy, accountability and constituency base is being challenged by states, multinational corporations, scholars, and leaders of …

Self-Reflection For Staff Development, Mainus Sultan

Methods, Training, & Materials Development

The larger purpose of this module is to create a learning climate that fosters the professional growth of development workers. This approach offers a subjective framework that encourages each participant to contribute to the development of the educational environment. The key rationale for creating an environment that is conductive to learning is to allow the participants to step back from their field reality in order to reflect upon their work experience. The tools presented emphasize the exploration of participants' existing knowledge instead of focusing on providing new information. The key objective is to develop a method that assists the participants …

We Know More Than We Are, At First, Prepared To Acknowledge: Journeying To Develop Critical Thinking, Peter John Taylor

Working Papers in Critical, Creative and Reflective Practice

Exponents of critical thinking emphasize the teaching of skills and dispositions for scrutinizing the assumptions, reasoning, and evidence brought to bear on an issue by others and by oneself. In short, they promote thinking about thinking. But how do students come to see where there are issues to be opened up and identify them without relying on some authority? The current form of my evolving "answer" is that people need support to grapple with inevitable tensions in personal and intellectual development—support to undertake journeys that involve risk, open up questions, create more experiences than can be integrated at first sight, …

Using Children's Literature And Parental Involvement To Facilitate Reading With Primary-Age Children Through A Literacy Backpack Program, Tami Marie Scrivner

Graduate Student Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a home literacy backpack program to increase children's reading skills with parental help through the use ofliterature that is relevant and meaningful to the students. Research that was reviewed showed students learn how to read through a balanced form of instruction using children's literature. Reviewed research also indicated parental involvement to be positively related to children's success in school. Materials necessary to put together 35 take home backpacks are included in this project. Conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for implementation of the backpack program are also discussed.

Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald

All Graduate Projects

The adoption of the Open Court reading program in conjunction with the Washington Read's Grant was the initial idea for this project. The integration of science and social studies themes was researched, and found to be beneficial in the teaching of those content areas. A handbook for second grade educators was created to integrate the adopted science and social studies topics with the newly adopted reading curriculum at Vale Elementary in Cashmere, Washington. This handbook contains a scope and sequence, literature libraries for three reading achievement levels, the benchmarks and essential learning's for the designated topics, and suggested activities for …

A Model Peer Coaching Guide For Junior High General Education Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Ausencio Matthias Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Improving teacher efficacy and pedagogy by building collegial and supportive relationships through peer coaching was studied. A model peer coaching guide featuring coaching procedures and activities was developed and utilized at Tahoma Junior High School. The results of the guide indicated that peer coaching can be implemented by general education teachers to enhance their educational practices by increasing dialogue, reflection, and refinement of teaching and learning practices.

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Integrating Expeditionary Learning Philosophy And Principles Into The Middle School Social Studies Curriculum, Paul Andrew George

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a handbook of activities for eighth grade social studies teachers that are based on expeditionary principles, philosophy and pedagogical practices. A review of the literature focused on the academic and social implications of integrating expeditionary philosophy and practices into an academic enviornment. A model learning expedition was provided accompanied by various forms of assessment strategies and methods.

Centers For Promoting Emergent Literacy In The Primary Grades, Elizabeth Greaves

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design classroom Literacy Centers incorporating the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements that promote emergent literacy skills in primary level children. Using Literacy Centers to enhance a child's ability to read, write, listen, and communicate is the focus of this project. The centers are intended to be a hands-on and authentic method of learning for young children. The review of relevant literature shows that this option provides positive experiences in a primary level classroom. Adaptable center plans are included as well as management and assessment suggestions.

Parent Involvement In Reading: Parent Workshops To Promote Critical Thinking, Rachelle Kristine Skeen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create an at-home reading program that would encourage parent participation and promote the development of critical thinking skills necessary for our children. The project implements a program that emphasizes using higher level questioning strategies in order to develop critical thinking skills. The project's focus is on educating and training parents as to the importance of their involvement and the importance of using higher level questioning strategies when they read with their children. Parents are educated and trained during two parent workshops. During these workshops, parents will also be introduced to the Read Together …

Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne

All Graduate Projects

Multiple intelligence theory was investigated; a description and history of the theory, as proposed by Howard Gardner, is provided. The multiple intelligence theory as it relates to education, particularly mathematics education, was reviewed. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for seventh grade teachers that will assist in the application and integration of mathematics across the range of multiple intelligences in their classroom. Assessments that resemble the Washington Assessment of Students Leaming are included, in order to develop skills necessary to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements of Washington.

Motivating Marginalized Youth Through Health Related Service-Learning, Jane Klara Miller

All Graduate Projects

The project provides secondary health teachers who work with marginalized youth with a handbook of service-learning ideas in six units to incorporate into the curriculum. The handbook allows students to utilize the skills they have learned in the classroom by participating in service-learning activities in their community. Students involved in all stages of the service-learning process gain confidence to take ownership of the program allowing for success. By connecting the community and schools through learning, students are given the opportunity to explore their talents, get to know their communities, strengthen developmental assets and learn from one another.

Teaching Students To Be Self-Directed Readers Through The Use Of Comprehension Strategies Instruction And Personal Response, Tamera L. Neveu

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on reader response and comprehension strategies instruction, and create materials to be used by teachers as they work toward improving comprehension instruction in their classrooms. Research shows that in order to help students become independent readers who are self-motivated and strategic, teachers need expertise in both reader response and comprehension strategies instruction. The project includes instructional frameworks, lessons, and techniques that can be used to implement reader response and comprehension strategies instruction in the classroom.

A Model Reading Skills Guide For Secondary Teachers To Support Classes Across The Curriculum, Keith Edward Swanson

All Graduate Projects

The need for students to learn reading skills in each of their core subject areas was studied. A skills guide, supported by research on effective reading strategies and assessment tools, was then developed to help promote successful reading by secondary students across the curriculum. The guide offers teachers various pre-reading, duringreading, and post-reading activities to enhance the reading done by students in their classes. It also provides assessment tools to enable teachers and students to measure their progress.

Messages For Girls: Looking At The Representation Of Women's Short Fiction In American Literature High School Anthologies, Aurelia Ramage Tippett

Legacy ETDs

The purpose of this qualitative study was to answer the question "What messages about the image of womanhood are available to adolescent females in female-authored short fiction that appears in a variety of American literature textbooks used since 1965, a few years preceding racial integration and widespread coverage of the women's movement in rural Georgia, through 2000?"

Five American literature anthologies that were used in the Laurens County Georgia School System for instruction in the required American literature course since 1965 were collected. Short fiction written by women was identified and then the researcher identified those women writers whose short …

Observing Women: Using Annie Leibovitz To Teach Thinking And Writing, Joanne M. Marshall

Joanne M. Marshall

Good writing makes a key point and supports it with detailed evidence. In its rubric for students' five-paragraph timed essays, the Illinois state board of education refers to this feature as "Support/Elaboration," or "the degree to which the main point is explained by specific details and reasons" (Illinois State Board of Education, 2002). At its essence, support and elaboration is about students' ability to think critically as they reason and summon evidence to make an argument. There is a solid history of research summarizing the link between thinking critically and writing well, mostly coming from the work of George Hillocks …