Education Commons^™

Daily Drawing And Writing Activities In A Preschool Classroom, Lynn Glaser

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the effect of providing daily drawing and writing activities in a preschool classroom. Benefits, as well as concerns, were discussed. Guidelines were presented to help with establishing a classroom environment that would provide daily drawing and writing activities for children in a preschool classroom. Conclusions were also drawn from the literature and recommendations were made to assist administers and teachers with establishing a program that supports daily drawing and writing activities.

Vocabulary Development Through Math Journaling Using Technology Resources In An Elementary Math Classroom, Debbie Hansel

Graduate Research Papers

An action research study was conducted in a second grade classroom in a nonpublic elementary school with student seven-to-eight years of age. The purpose of the research was to determine if the use of computer-based content journaling leads to a better understanding of the mathematical vocabulary being focused on and to establish if the use of computer-based reflective journal entries has a positive impact on the students' attitude toward mathematics.

The comparison of scores from the pre-assessment and post-assessment of vocabulary knowledge demonstrated an increase in accuracy. Journaling helped students arrive at the generalization relating the size of what is …

Key Components In An Online Class, Renae Darlene Farrell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on what needs to be in place to have an effective online class. Instructional design models, interactive learning communities, learning theories, and instructional/student technology training are some of the issues that the literature review documents. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research on the topics of the instructional design process and the transformation of a traditional classroom to an online classroom. The conclusions formed within this document are based upon literature reviews about the topics of effective online classes. This review has led to a conclusion that online education can be an effective …

Uncovering Perspectives And Attitudes Toward Inclusion : A Study Of Parents, Students And Teachers, Rea-Eleene Woolley

Graduate Research Papers

This study was done in an effort to identify hidden perspectives and attitudes held by parents, students, and teachers that may create a barrier to successful inclusion of students with special needs into education programs at one middle school. Surveys were distributed to randomly selected parents of special education students, parents of regular education students, special education students, regular education students, special education teachers, and regular education teachers at an intermediate school in Iowa. Results of the surveys were used to determine each group's positive and negative attitudes toward inclusion. The results of this study indicate that overall perspectives and …

Strategies For Bridging The Gender Gap In Technology Use : From Education To The Workplace, Martha Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review is about strategies for bridging the gender gap in technology use in the classroom and the workplace. The research done on the subject indicates that a gender gap does exist in the classroom and the workplace. Women and girls have not been encouraged to participate in classes or training that will prepare them to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. The conclusion of this review suggests several methods to aid instructors and employers in bringing about equity in the classroom and the workforce. The implementation of diversity training, mentoring, and role modeling are just …

Quality Communication With Parents, Michelle Meier

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review looks at quality communication between the parents of children with special needs and school personnel. Advantages and problems with communication will be discussed. Also, discussions will focus on the use of communication between educators and parents of children with special needs over the past five decades. The influence of public laws on communication between these groups will be examined.

In addition, the advantages and problems involved in this communication will be drawn from the literature and guidelines will be identified that are needed for effective communication between educators and parents of children with special needs. Lastly, conclusions …

The Corporate University : Effective Strategies Used To Create A Productive Corporate Training Program, Eduardo Calderon

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review describes the strategies utilized in creating a successful corporate training program. There has been an evolution in the corporate training sector within the past decade that has encouraged the development of the corporate university. Many of our world's top companies are teaching content that is used to motivate employees to ensure a higher level of corporate success. This review suggests that by following the components established by effective training and instructional design, other entities can produce the same prosperous outcomes.

Impact Of Music Education In Early Childhood Classrooms, Melissa J. Wolf

Graduate Research Papers

Music is a universal language that connects all students regardless of age, background, or social status. In our school's today, music instruction can offer many academic benefits to our students, especially in the areas of reading and mathematics. However, elementary school music teacher positions are being cut each year because of the lack of funds in the school district's budget. When this happens, classroom teachers are required to teach this subject to their students, according to Iowa Code-Chapter 12. These teachers may not be educated enough to give the students the instruction that is needed. This literature review examined the …

The Effects Of Dietary Intervention, Specifically The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet, On The Behavior And The Learning Abilities Of Children Who Have Been Diagnosed With Autism., Amy Wallace

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of dietary intervention, specifically the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet, on the behavior and the learning abilities of children who have been diagnosed with autism. The benefits and limitations of this study were discussed as to how dietary interventions affect the behavior of children with autism. Guidelines were presented on how to implement a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free diet. Also, conclusions were drawn from the study and literature, and recommendations were made on how to select a dietary intervention.

Problem Based Learning, Susan Tebbe

Graduate Research Papers

The No Child Left Behind legislation brought about a flurry of conversations regarding student achievement (McElroy, 2006). Increased use of standardized testing to measure student achievement has resulted in a discussion of teaching models. Is the transmission teaching model with its expository style the only mode to insure student success? Or is the constructivist teaching model with its inquiry style a mode that better leads to student success? This review of literature examines the instructional practices involved in problem based learning, a constructivist approach. The paper focuses on the components of problem-based learning, the benefits and challenges of using this.approach, …

Contextual Learning Vs. Standardized Testing : And The Winner Is ... ?, Lorinda Leedom

Graduate Research Papers

Our educational system is currently in the grips of No Child Left Behind and the stress of proving students' abilities via mandated standardized tests. This stress is changing teachers' focus from providing a contextual learning environment for students to passing tests. Six struggling middle school students participated in a summer program where contextual learning and frequent standardized assessment existed together. Through this program, the students' needs were met and data was provided that demonstrated educational gains. This data suggests that authentic real world experiences do not need to be omitted from the curriculum in order to provide measurable results on …

Reading Comprehension Strategies For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Susan Reese

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to describe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), its possible causes, characteristics, treatment options, and instructional strategies used for teaching reading comprehension to people with this disorder. ADHD is characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsiveness to a degree beyond what is considered normal for the person's age.

While the exact causes are unknown, research is beginning to reveal that the disorder is brain based and genetic in disposition. Presently there is no cure for ADHD, but treatment options are available which include medications and/or therapies. Reading comprehension strategies to assist people with ADHD include chunking, …

Emergent Literacy Learning, Tera Bockenstedt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature was to look at research in the area of early literacy acquisition. A brief background on emergent literacy and how emergent literacy has impacted educational reform was discussed. The review of literature discussed research on emergent literacy development, in particular the skills that are appropriate for young children to acquire in preparation for entrance into formal schooling. A look at research about the influences on emergent literacy learning and the conditions that foster early literacy development was also discussed. The home factors influencing emergent literacy development and the conditions that foster early literacy …

Transferring A Face-To-Face Course To Online Instruction At A Community College, Brenda Heitmeyer

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a literature review of research related to the differences between developing an online class and a face-to-face class. Differences include how the course material is presented, how to engage the learners, and how students are learning in an online environment. Research is presented from various sources regarding considerations for online instruction and includes statistics on online student learners. The literature states that the instructor assumes a different role as a facilitator for online collaboration in a learning environment.

Instructors need to consider the differences presented by distance education when creating online instruction. The advantages and disadvantages of …

Developing A Web-Based Video Tutorial On Using Hyperstudio, Sangsun Kim

Graduate Research Papers

The goal of this project was to provide an effective way for students to learn how to use an authoring language, HyperStudio, through an efficient interactive on-line environment. The author begins by identifying the necessary components for effective web-based tutorials and exploring video's impact on delivering web-based tutorials. The process used to plan, design, develop and implement this project was explained. This project demonstrates how a web-based tutorial can be created to assist the traditional classroom as a supplementary medium.

The Factors Preventing The Successful Implementation Of A Middle Level Advisory Program At One Middle School, Gina Grasso Leonard

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated the feelings and conceptualizations about Advisory Programs of the teachers at one middle school in Southeast Iowa. Interviews were conducted to uncover the teachers' thoughts and perceptions on Advisory Programs at their middle school. The collected data was then evaluated and recommendations were made.

What Are Appropriate Interventions And Treatment Programs For Children With Severe Autism In An Educational Setting?, Michelle Leicht

Graduate Research Papers

This project describes professional development sessions to assist educators in implementing interventions and treatment programs for children with severe autism in an educational setting.

The questions this project will address include: (1) What interventions and treatment program for children with severe autism are available to use in an educational setting, (2) What research supports interventions and treatment programs for children with severe autism, (3) How can they be implemented into the classroom, and (4) How can professional development sessions be implemented to assist teachers?

The professional development sessions described in this project include four two-hour sessions. The purpose of these …

Professional Portfolios : Creating A Framework For Teacher Accountability Portfolios, Stephany K. Messer

Graduate Research Papers

Educators are being held accountable for their actions in the classroom by their states and local districts. In Iowa teachers are required to demonstrate competency for eight different standards that include 42 criteria. One form of meeting this requirement is by creating a professional portfolio. A problem that many educators face is the lack of direction provided to create this portfolio.

The purpose of this project was to design a framework for creating a professional portfolio. Instruction on this framework will be provided through seven professional development sessions targeted for novice teachers. At the completion of the professional development sessions …

Incorporating Interactive Writing Throughout The Day In A Kindergarten Classroom, Amy Sobaski

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the use of interactive writing in a kindergarten classroom. Interactive writing and related terms were explained, and connections were made between interactive writing and learning standards. Possible problems and solutions were discussed, and a case study was conducted in a kindergarten classroom. Guidelines were presented for successful integration of interactive writing into a balanced literacy program. Also, conclusions were drawn from the case study and reviewed literature, and recommendations were made for the use of interactive writing in the classroom and for future research in this area.

Sending Children Who Are Medically Fragile To School, Aulanda L. Zenner

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the decisions to send children who are medically fragile to school-based programming. A case study including parent interviews, as well as pediatrician surveys regarding the education of children who are medically fragile. Benefits, as well as problems, were discussed and were associated with children who are medically fragile attending school. Guidelines were presented for decisions to send children who are medically fragile to school. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for the future of schooling for children who are medically fragile.

The Americans With Disabilities Act And How It Affects Post-Secondary Education, Annette Louise Beck

Graduate Research Papers

The Americans with Disabilities Act and how it affects post-secondary education is what this literature review addresses. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against someone with a disability in places of employment and public places. In 1973, the United States Congress passed Section 504 and The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed in 1990. Both helped solidify regulations regarding discrimination by any entity that receives federal funding including educational institutions. The law requires employers or schools to make a change or adjustment in a work or educational setting, program, or job that makes it …

The Effects Of Including Peers In Social Skills Training For Students With Autism, Cortney Boulden

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the effects of including autistic children with typically developing peers in social skills training programs. The benefits and limitations of the study were discussed concerning how peer models affected the performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Guidelines were presented to implement a social skills program. Also, conclusions and recommendations were drawn from the literature to improve social skills in autistic children by including them with typically developing children in a learning setting.

The Importance Of Ehealth In The Education Of Underserved Populations, Shanel L. Winfield

Graduate Research Papers

The use of the Internet or the World Wide Web for educational purposes is widespread and rapidly growing. It is only natural that, in response to this rapid growth, its usage expands into the field of medicine, particularly eHealth. But as the nature of how the Internet is being used in health and medicine increases, there is a large segment of the population being left behind because of lack of access. This lack of access is in response to economic barriers, political barriers, social-cultural barriers and social-economic barriers. Issues of literacy, content, and language also play a role in the …

Caught Or Taught : Development Of A Middle School Spelling Program, Jennie M. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

In this literature review, the author explored research studies and literature about literacy to learn more about spelling instruction. Although much research has been done in the area of spelling instruction, little has changed in spelling instruction in the typical middle school classroom (Templeton, 2002a).

This review gives a brief overview of the basic composition of the English language and the history of the teaching of spelling in the United States. Research is reviewed that deals with the acquisition of spelling based on the developmental spelling continuum (Bear, Invemizzi, Templeton & Johnston, 1996). The author explored the connection between reading, …

Revision Of The Carlisle Elementary Preschool Standards Based On The Iowa Early Learning Standards, Marne M. Sievers

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the process of evaluating current standards and benchmarks for the Carlisle Elementary Preschool, revising them using the Iowa Early Learning Standards, which were completed in May 2005, revising a teacher-created assessment tool and progress report, and investigating the curriculum that is used and how it aligns with the newly created standards and benchmarks. Standards and benchmarks have been a focus in the educational field due to the implementation of the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Act.

Many standards and benchmarks have been created for kindergarten through twelfth grade but few programs have adopted standards and benchmarks prior …

Gender Differences In American Children's Oral Narratives, Nadezda M. Zernova

Graduate Research Papers

Gender differences exist among different aspects of children's development (such as social, cognitive, and emotional). Children's narratives have been used as a common assessment tool (Libby & Aries, 1989; Wang & Leichtman, 2000) to learn more about gender differences. Knowledge of existing differences enables educators to individualize their teaching for boys and girls in order to benefit their development. The present study focused on gender differences in the following areas of American children's oral narratives: characters, emotional tone, structure, content, and language. The participants of the study were 14 kindergarteners and first-graders (7 boys and 7 girls) between ages 6 …

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Recess, Nicole Sullivan

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the topic of recess in our schools. Recess is an important part of the early childhood curriculum for all children. It should be given some ' thoughtful attention that other aspects of the curriculum receive. This literature study focused on the benefits, and the problems, associated with recess. Guidelines were presented for developing an effective recess program. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for the implementation of recess in our schools.

Effects Of External Rewards On Elementary Students' Motivation To Read Independently, Benjamin David Olsen

Graduate Research Papers

In an age of increased accountability, even down to how well, and how much, students read independently, teachers are looking for ways to motivate students to read. One popular way schools and teachers have looked to increase motivation is with reading incentive programs. Despite this widespread enthusiasm for such programs there has not been solid, replicable research that has supported the continued use of incentive programs to increase students' future motivation to read. This study examined how a reading incentive program affected students' motivation and attitudes toward reading and the time they spent reading. Research was guided by the following …

The Role Of The Kindergarten : History, Concerns, And Guidelines For Developing An Effective Kindergarten Program, Amanda N. Herber

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the recent literature on the subject of the role of today's kindergarten program. The age of the children, maturity level, attitude.and stress, and confidence were discussed. Guidelines were also presented for developing an effective kindergarten program. Conclusions were drawn from the current literature and recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs.

Building Partnerships Between Teachers And Families To Enhance Literacy Learning, Lisa Jasiewicz

Graduate Research Papers

Parents and the classroom teacher hold separate yet overlapping roles in helping to increase student achievement. The roles are separate because they are being accomplished in two different settings, separate from one another, and each adult will have his or her own way of conducting the reading experience. They are similar because they are both centered on the child's literacy learning and both parties are trying to meet the needs of the child.

The difficulty in this situation can be developing separate roles for the parent and teacher and also finding a way to work together in the roles they …