Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Self-Esteem Instruction For Children With Disabilities, James Henderson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of self-esteem instruction for children with disabilities. Academic achievement, attitudes toward school and learning, and attitudes toward peers were measured prior to ninety days of self-esteem direct instruction. A total of 72 children with disabilities from grade 1 to 3 in 3 elementary schools in the same community participated. They were divided into both control and experimental groups in 3 elementary schools with a total of 3 experiment and 3 control groups. Three special education teachers provided self-esteem direct instruction to the experimental groups according to the same lesson plans …

A Study Of Certification For The Middle Grade Mathematics Teacher, James E. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine differences and similarities among elementary and secondary certified teachers' beliefs about state certification for the middle grades mathematics teacher.

A mail-in survey was conducted among teachers at forty-eight public schools serving middle grade students in Camden County. A fourteen-item questionnaire obtained opinions from teachers teaching in the middle grades. Teachers responded to items about state certification and individual requirements for obtaining certification.

The data was analyzed, and percents calculated. Teachers did not believe that elementary certification programs adequately prepared individuals to teach middle grades mathematics. The underlying perception is that neither of …

A Technique For Converting Nfa's And Dfa's To Regular Expressions In Lex, Gregory Safko

Theses and Dissertations

In the design and creation of compilers, a compiler-writer is called upon to make assumptions and declarations about how their language's syntax performs and behaves. Lex is a software tool used to create grammar rules. A flat file is read as input to lex, and the corresponding C code is output. However, in order to properly format the flat file, the compiler-writer creates the lex expression either on a "hunch," or based on some given set of criteria. Among these criteria are: case sensitivity, the introduction of special characters and symbols, the handling of a space character, and the handling …

Increasing Social Relationships Among Kindergartners Using Peer Reporting, Christine A. Gruenler

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on increasing the social relationships of kindergarten students using peer reporting. This method encouraged children to use social skills on the playground. In addition, the students were encouraged to report the observed use of social skills to be recognized by their classmates. The subjects of the study included an experimental group of 20 kindergarten students and a control group of 21 kindergarten students, both located in an elementary school in a rural area of southern New Jersey. Social relationships were measured by the number of tattle tales on the playground, whereas tattletaling indicated that there were diminished …

The Effects Of Grouping In Social Studies On The Enjoyment, Motivation, And Successful Learning When Reading Informative Texts, Pamela D. Pitt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine whether grouping when reading informative texts during social studies lessons gave students enjoyment and motivation, which, in turn, would provide more success in learning for the students. It explored a method that is not whole class instruction, but is sometimes used in the classroom. The researcher of this study did not attempt to determine which method is better to use during social studies instruction, but rather how students perceive reading informative texts in social studies after being exposed to peer-assisted group instruction. The forty-eight participants of the study were taken from two …

Effect Of Whole Language Instruction In Reading Comprehension Scores Of First Grade Students, Jeffrey A. Shone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether any significant difference in the reading comprehension scores of first grade students utilizing a whole language method of instruction as opposed to phonics-based method of instruction existed. An experimental and control group of first grade students, with 20 children in each group, were administered the Silver Burdett Ginn Reading Comprehension test. Both groups were pre-tested to ascertain their level of reading comprehension before a treatment was administered. Next, the experimental group received the whole language method of reading instruction. Through repeated readings, students were exposed to reading and phonics at the …

The Effects Of Character Education On Fourth Grade Students' Attitudes Toward In-School Behavior, Jenna S. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to show that students would benefit from learning about character education in a classroom setting. This study used scores from a pre-test and post-test which was designed with character development scenarios taken by fourth grade students in a rural elementary school after they participated in a character education unit.

Eighteen (n = 18) participated in this quasi-experimental study. The results were analyzed to find the significance of the relationship between the students' scores on the pre-test and post-test. The Sign test indicated there was no significant change between the scores on the pre-test and …

The Effect Of Color As A Visual Aid In Mathematics Instruction, Jennifer L. Valinote

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if fifth grade students who were exposed to colorful symbols and numbers during mathematics instruction would have significantly higher achievement than those students who were taught without the use of colorful symbols and numbers. The sample used in this investigation consisted of two heterogeneous fifth grade mathematics classes. Students in both groups were given pretests on the multiplication and division of fractions. After the pre-test the subjects that comprised the experimental group received a three week treatment. The subjects that comprised the control group were taught the same lessons, yet not exposed …

The Effects Of Cooperative Learning On Mathematics Achievement For Third Grade Students, Angelina M. Carione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cooperative learning on mathematics achievement. It was hypothesized that students who worked cooperatively during mathematics practice would achieve a higher test score on the post-test than students who did not work together. The subjects of the study were forty third grade students form a southern New Jersey school district. The study consisted of an experimental and a control group. Both groups were administered a pre-test. The experimental group then participated in cooperative learning during mathematics practice for a seven-week period. Both groups were post-tested after seven weeks.

Calculations proved …

The Effect Of Interactive Bulletin Boards On Mathematics Achievement In Fourth Grade, Kathleen M. Charlton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect the use of interactive bulletin boards, when used as manipulative learning tools which reinforce basic arithmetic through repetition on a daily basis, have on the final marking period grades of fourth grade students. It was hypothesized that fourth grade students who experience the daily use of interactive bulletin boards that contain manipulative parts to reinforce basic arithmetic skills as a part of their mathematics instruction will exhibit significantly higher marking period grades in mathematics than students who do not experience such bulletin boards on a daily basis.

The design of …

Instituting Issue-Based Civics In The 11th Grade Classroom, Nicholas J. Diblasi, Carissa Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

There were several goals of this study. The first goal of this study was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's attitude for and appreciation in civics. The second goal was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's comprehension levels in civics. The last of these goals was to identify if the school a student attended had any impact on their attitude toward and appreciation of civics and comprehension levels in civics. The study was conducted on a sample of 70 11th grade students enrolled in American History II college …

Redefining High School American Literature In A Diverse Nation, Nancy M. Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate why high school students in America study American literature that includes a majority of writers of white western European descent and excludes writers of multicultural backgrounds. This study also analyzed if exposure to works by multicultural writers changes students' perceptions of what constitutes American literature. The participants included 3 classes of American literature students (N=44) and American literature teachers (N=6) in a predominantly white high school. The study included a combination of textbook content analysis, teacher interviews, and an intervention consisting of a Latino literature unit taught to student participants. Key …

The Effect Of Teacher Intervention, Role Modeling, And A Gender-Balanced Bulletin Board Design On 10th Grade Male Students' Writing Apprehension, Laurie Bartolomeo

Theses and Dissertations

The first goal of this study was to identify any preexisting differences in the levels of writing apprehension between males and females in a sample of 85 10th grade high school students enrolled in English classes available during a spring 2002 student teaching placement. An adapted form of John A. Daly and Michael D. Miller's (1975) Likert-scaled Writing Apprehension Measure was used to assess the participants' levels of apprehension. Results of the first survey revealed that male participants did display a higher level of writing apprehension but the difference did not reach a level of statistical significance (p < .05). The second phase of the study involved a 4-month treatment period that included teacher intervention, role modeling, and a gender-balanced bulletin board design in an attempt to make a positive change in the male students' levels of writing apprehension. The same survey was administered to 36 males and 36 females following treatment to determine if any change occurred. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed there was no statistically significant effect of treatment on either the male or female participants (p < .05); however, a decrease in the levels of writing apprehension was seen in the means of the scores across all groups.

Title Ix Compliance In Intercollegiate Athletics, Michelle Andre

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to examine how institutions have been in compliance with Title IX at the New Jersey state schools that are part of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and are affiliated with the NCAA as Division III programs. The research was to show how these institutions felt they were in compliance and to explore whether they have met certain criteria and how programs have been dropped in order for institutions to meet a quota. I gathered my information via surveys. The subjects surveyed were both male and female athletic administrators at the state universities. Eighteen …

Electronic Teacher Portfolio, Linda H. Drucker, Marguerite A. Paolone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project is to determine the value of using an electronic teacher portfolio to document instructional methods and strategies. Research suggested the possible use of electronic portfolios by teachers to compile genuine representations of their personal style, creativity, and methodology.

As models of electronic teacher portfolios were limited, we created a template using HyperStudio 4.0 and an accompanying guidebook, so teachers could easily create a personalized electronic teacher portfolio.

To evaluate the guidebook's ease of use, we disseminated the materials to one technologically experienced teacher and one with basic computer knowledge. While creating their own electronic …

Non-Certificated Staff Evaluation Instruments That Are Meaningful And Promote Improved Job Performance, Doris J. Isaacs

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine development of an evaluation instrument for non-certificated staff. This instrument would clearly recognize the valuable contributions of this important and often overlooked group of employees and provide a tool to promote improved job performance.

Individuals participating in the study were the School Business Administrator, 86 non-certificated staff, three head custodians and three principals. Non-certificated employees were surveyed using a written questionnaire to determine their opinions of evaluations and job performance motivators. The head custodians and principals participated in informal interviews regarding existing practices. Five non-certificated staff participated in personal interviews about employee …

Inclusion, The Forced Game Plan For Levelling The Playing Field: One High School's First Attempt, Rebecca Tribbett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the co-teaching as an inclusionary technique in a high school setting. Co-teaching in this study consisted of a general and special education teacher collaborating in the instruction of a group of general and special needs students.

The participants included 140 students, the general education and special education teacher. The teachers completed an Inclusion Survey that contained a twenty-item, four points, forced-choice Likert Scale. The survey measured the teachers' beliefs in four domains: Teacher training, Academic Content/Teacher Effectiveness, Social Atmosphere (students) and Academic Climate.

Interviews of the teaching staff and …

Directed Teaching And Constructivist Teaching And Technology, Brandy Patch

Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of the computer in the classroom as a tool to provide instruction and aid learning has had a profound impact on how educators deliver instruction. Computers have become such an important instructional tool that many educators have had to rethink and reevaluate their beliefs and ideas about the ways in which they instruct students and how students learn.

Most educators have encouraged and promoted the use of computers in the classroom to assist them in providing students with an efficient and up-to-date means of acquiring the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in learning. Because of its …

The Effect Of Male Timbre Vocal Modeling In Falsetto And Non-Falsetto On The Singing And Pitch Accuracy Of Second Grade Students, Douglas Adam Tranz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of male falsetto and non-falsetto vocal stimuli on the pitch-matching accuracy of second grade students. The investigator also investigated the following: (1) would there be a difference in pitch-matching accuracy to the two vocal stimuli based upon gender; and (2) would there be a difference in the pitch-matching accuracy of students receiving vocal modeling presented in non-falsetto.

The sample for this study included 90 students in four second-grade general music classes.

During the 12 week treatment period, students in the control and experimental groups received the same music instruction; however, …

Study Of The Use Of Telecommunications In The Classroom, Ed Ewing

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of integration of technology in the classroom. Specifically, the study was to look at computer software and related Internet and telecommunication usage.

The study took place in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties in New Jersey. Teachers in four public school districts from each county were invited to participate. A letter was sent to the chief administrator of each selected school district, explaining the purpose and significance of the study. A packet was also sent to each teacher in the participating schools. The packet included an introductory letter and a …

Midi Sequencing In The Elementary Classroom, Jann M. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to provide students and educators with an easy to follow manual that will help them learn and successfully participate in MIDI sequencing in an elementary educational and personal setting.

Research for the study involved the review of the New Jersey Core Standards and national standards for music and music technology in education. Music technology websites for educators were also reviewed. A case study group of seven fifth grade students was formed for the project. This group was known as the Music Technology Club. The purpose of the group was to learn MIDI sequencing through …

Webquest Depository, Ella Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to create a web site that teachers could use to assist them to integrate technology into their classroom and to create a constructivist learning environment that would be conducive to teaching and learning higher order thinking skills.

The federal government requires technology integration in academic institutions. As, a result, every classroom is to be equipped with five computers. Teachers must update their pedagogical proficiencies to include technology. In addition, teachers must adapt their curriculum to accommodate the use of technology. Research has shown that a constructivist teaching style is an excellent means for students …

The Effect Of Collaborative Teaching On The Academic Achievement, Incidence Of Discipline Referrals, And Attitudes Toward School Of Fourth, Fifth, And Sixth Grade Regular And Special Education Students, Kathleen N. Papa

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if collaborative teaching had a positive effect on the academic achievement, incidence of discipline referrals, and attitudes toward school of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade regular and special education elementary school students.

The report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals (demerits, detentions, and suspensions) from the first two marking periods of the 2000-2001 school year (prior to collaborative teaching) were averaged and compared to the report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals of the first two marking periods of the 2001-2002 school year of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students …

New Jersey Elementary School Proficiency Assessment (E.S.P.A) Mathematics Analysis: Open-Ended Questions, Scoring Rubrics, Developmental Activities And Manipulatives With Scope Of Skills For Grades K-4, Joyce Marian Scholz

Theses and Dissertations

This document provides a resource which may be used by elementary teachers to gain understanding of the State Standards, the construction and purpose of E.S.P.A., the scoring of open-ended questions and the scope of development of fourth grade skills through the elementary grades. There are three sections of this document, which include the following: the "Macro Development and Open-ended Listing For Grade 4", the Mathematics Skill Development For E.S.P.A.: Grades K - 4" and the "Mathematics Manipulatives Listing." Each section provides important information pertaining to appropriate teaching to prepare students for E.S.P.A.

This document may be used by teachers in …

The Effects Of Social Skills Training To Improve Peer Acceptance For Students With Disabilities, Jennifer L. Knoll

Theses and Dissertations

The current study examined the effects of social skills training and social integration in play activities to facilitate the social competence and peer acceptance of students with multiple disabilities mainstreamed for non-academic subjects. Ten 3rd and 5th grade students with disabilities and 60 non-disabled 3rd graders participated in this study. The target students spent more than 65% of their day in a self-contained classroom and were included for non-academic activities such as homeroom, lunch and recess, and related arts.

A multidimensional approach to social skills instruction was provided to students with disabilities in their self-contained classroom. The students with disabilities …

Effects Of Learning Style On Performance Outcome In A Distance Education Setting, Karen M. Mattison

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship that existed between learning style and performance outcome for a Distance Education setting. The study included three groups of students taking an introductory computer science course during the spring/02 semester at a small Community College in New Jersey. Each group was taught by the same instructor, used the same syllabus, and was expected to complete the same number and type of tests and assignments. However, the first group was a traditional lecture-based section. The second, was a traditional lecture-based section, but enhanced somewhat with a course web site interface. The …

Kindergarten To Fourth Grade Student Code Of Conduct, Carrieann L. Molnar

Theses and Dissertations

The study was designed to develop a kindergarten through fourth grade code of conduct for the Charles L. Spragg School. The parents and faculty completed a Likert style survey about the present discipline code. The study also reviewed the number of discipline referrals before and after the implementation of the new code of conduct.

The student population was comprised of approximately 353 pre-k through fourth grade students and 44 staff members. The surveys completed by the parents and staff were compiled and used to develop the new code of conduct. The number of discipline referrals for October, November, December and …

Extrinsic/Intrinsic Motivational Study, Steven R. Howard

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to understand how extrinsic/intrinsic motivation will encourage student learning in a sixth grade learning setting. The drawing population was approximately 157 students. The sample of the study consisted of 43 sixth graders. The students were given pre-assessment and post-assessment surveys to answer. The pre-assessment survey was given in October and the post-assessment was given in February. The study consisted of control and experimental groups. Twenty-one students were in the experimental group and twenty-two in the control group. The experimental group received the four-phase study. During the pre-assessment phase, the students' responses in the experimental …

The Effects Of A Social And Emotional Learning Curriculum On The Academic Achievement Of High School Students, Lyn J. Langford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum on students' academic achievement, classroom behavior and SEL skills. An SEL curriculum was administered to 105 randomly selected college preparatory United States History 10th grade students. Students received a pretest and a posttest measuring their perception of SEL skills. This was administered before the 10 lesson unit was facilitated and after the action research was completed. The curriculum combined SEL and American Government. Various forms of assessment were used to measure academic achievement.

Survey results were analyzed and comparison percentages tabulated to …

Discipline Problems: Ways Of Improvement, Teresa Mcganey-Guy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover new ways of assisting students that have behavioral problems and the teachers of those students.

The subjects in this study were four teachers and their first and second grade students. The teachers were three females and one male. Two of the female teachers teach first grade and the others teach second grade.

The research tool used in this study was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed to gain knowledge about the effectiveness of the discipline strategies. The questions were used to collect general information about the respondent and the discipline strategies.

The …