Education Commons^™

Comprehensive Academic And Classroom Facilities Plan, Joel Nordberg, Alex Wing, Jeff Funovits, Emily Blaze, Jenna Beltram, Ann Storer, Bryan Harvey, Ludmilla D. Pavlova-Gillham

Campus Planning Books

In 2009 UMass Amherst, under the direction of Chancellor Robert Holub, engaged in a Framework for Excellence initiative and a commitment to elevate the national profile of the institution. The Framework for Excellence called for the recruitment of 250 additional faculty and an increase of 2,500 undergraduate students over the next 10 years. More space and improved, state-of-the-arts facilities was recognized as key in attracting and retaining the highest caliber faculty and students.

The Comprehensive Academic and Classroom Facilities Plan was funded by the MA Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM), which hired Burt Hill to initiate an …

A Unilateral Grading Contract To Improve Learning And Teaching, Peter Elbow

English Department Faculty Publication Series

Contract grading has achieved some prominence in our field as a practice associated with critical pedagogy. In this context, we describe a hybrid grading contract where students earn a course grade of B based not on our evaluation of their writing quality but solely on their completion of the specified activities. The contract lists activities we’ve found most reliable in producing B-quality writing over fourteen weeks. Higher grades are awarded to students who produce exemplary portfolios. Thus we freely give students lots of evaluative feedback on their writing, but students can count on a course grade of B if they …

Improving Higher Education Through User-Inspired Research: Findings From Multi-National Needs Assessments, Joseph B. Berger

Center for International Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Improving Higher Education Through User-Inspired Research: Findings From Multi-National Needs Assessments, Joseph B. Berger

Center for International Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Financial Planning For College: What Parents Do To Prepare, Catherine A. Manly, Ryan S. Wells

Ryan S. Wells

This study explores reported parental financial college preparations and the amount parents have saved for college, with a goal of determining strategies used by different parents based on parental college aspirations and expectations for their child, as well as the highest reported parental and grandparental educational levels. Regression analysis indicates that parents' expectations, but not their aspirations, correspond to engagement in financial planning. Family education is strongly associated with taking some financial planning actions and the amount saved. The results may be helpful to those who are working to increase the effectiveness of disseminating college financial information to parents.

The Role Of Program Evaluations In Improving And Sustaining State-Supported School Counseling Programs: A Cross Case Analysis Of Best Practices, Ian Monteg Martin

Open Access Dissertations

Recent work has shown that many state supported school counseling programs have not developed working statewide program evaluation schemas. This study examined two exemplary examples of state level program evaluation. Mixed-method case studies were created and then analyzed across cases to reveal common themes and best practices. The findings indicated that these cases were able to build statewide evaluation capacity within very different contexts.

Policy Options To Finance Public Higher Education In Afghanistan, Frank Mcnernery

Open Access Dissertations

While recovering from decades of conflict and trying to adjust to an incipient free market economy, public higher education in Afghanistan is currently confronted with rapidly increasing enrollment and inadequate government financing. The imbalance between high demand for and insufficient supply of higher education has led to a decrease in the quality of education and an urgent need to develop non-state sources of funding. Using Johnstone’s (1986) diversified funding model as the conceptual framework, this exploratory case study reports actors’ attitudes and perceptions of the financing policy options for Afghan public higher education and the impediments to introduce this model …

A Functional Difficulty And Functional Pain Instrument For Hip And Knee Osteoarthritis, Alan M. Jette, Christine M. Mcdonough, Pengsheng Ni, Stephen M. Haley, Ronald K. Hambleton, Sippy Olarsch, David J. Hunter, Young Jo Kim, David T. Felson

Ronald K. Hambleton

Introduction - The objectives of this study were to develop a functional outcome instrument for hip and knee osteoarthritis research (OA-FUNCTION-CAT) using item response theory (IRT) and computer adaptive test (CAT) methods and to assess its psychometric performance compared to the current standard in the field. Methods - We conducted an extensive literature review, focus groups, and cognitive testing to guide the construction of an item bank consisting of 125 functional activities commonly affected by hip and knee osteoarthritis. We recruited a convenience sample of 328 adults with confirmed hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Subjects reported their degree of functional difficulty …

Adopting A Web-Centric Communications Model, Anne B. Sroka

CCLA Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Leadership Continuity: Enhancing The Cycle Of Leadership In Academic Departments, Nancy Buffone

Open Access Dissertations

In the corporate world, leaders typically plan for succession, carefully grooming their heir apparent. In academia, however, it is rare for such planning to occur at the institutional level, much less the departmental level. This multiple case study explores how twelve department chairs in one public research university think about leadership development for their departments. While succession planning - as defined in traditional management literature - does not occur in academic departments, current chairs are active in promoting leadership continuity - purposefully preparing and cultivating potential leaders who have the skills and knowledge to most readily step in as chair …

Implementing Change In Instructional Delivery Of Classroom Curriculum: A Phenomenological Case Study Of Classroom Teachers Implementing A Problem-Based Learning Approach In The Classroom, Maura Anne Hart

Open Access Dissertations

This qualitative research study examines the holistic experience of secondary classroom teachers who are changing their predominant instructional technique from a mostly traditional teaching method to a student-centered, problem-based approach to curriculum delivery. Using field notes, interviews, focus groups, observations of classrooms and faculty meetings and related document study in conjunction with, and as driven by, simultaneous analysis, the researcher inquired about the nature of implementing change in instructional delivery and those influences that both help and hinder the process. Data revealed four categories with related findings: practices of changing instructional delivery, a teacher focus on students, elements of working …

A Study Of Pre-Service Teachers: Is It Really Mathematics Anxiety?, Marsha Marie Guillory Bryant

Open Access Dissertations

This research study was motivated by a hypothesis, generated on the basis of formal and informal observations, personal and professional experiences, discussions with prospective teachers and a pilot study conducted by this author; that pre-service teachers have a high level of mathematics anxiety and negative attitudes about mathematics. The primary purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between mathematics anxiety and pre-service teachers. The secondary purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between anxiety and performance and to examine the relationship between math anxiety, test anxiety, and stereotype threat. A quantitative experimental research design was used …

The Effects Of A School-Based Motivational Intervention On Adolescent Substance Abuse, Elizabeth Gates Bradley

Open Access Dissertations

Substance abuse is the foremost health problem in the United States, with an estimated annual cost of over $400 billion and is linked to over 400,000 preventable deaths each year. Adolescents are among those abusing drugs and alcohol. Approximately one-half of high school students use alcohol and one-fourth smoke marijuana, and by their senior year of high school, over half will have used an illicit drug. Effective substance use interventions for young adults are important in preventing the progression toward other drug use disorders and harmful consequences of frequent drug use. Schools have been identified as a viable setting in …

Teacher Inquiry Group: The Space For (Un)Packing Representations Of Discourses Of Achievement Gap And The Possibility Of An Institutional Transforming Practice, Floris Wilma Ortiz-Marrero

Open Access Dissertations

This dissertation explores implications about teacher inquiry group (IG) practices through the representations of achievement gap (AG) discourses. The study draws from the challenges, struggles, and accomplishments of a middle school inquiry group of teachers and staff that worked collaboratively, as an institutionalized practice, with the intention to develop recommendations for closing the AG. After five years of collaborative work, the group did not get to develop an action plan. This longitudinal, ethnographic, qualitative study unveils multiple and contested representations of AG discourses and unpacks three assumptions about teacher inquiry group practices as a strategy for institutional and/or individual change: …

A Program Evaluation Of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support In An Alternative Education Setting, Elana Rachel Weinberger

Open Access Dissertations

The current program evaluation of school-wide positive behavior support (PBS) in an alternative education setting was conducted in three phases (Phase 1: initial evaluation; Phase 2: intervention; Phase 3: follow up evaluation). The purpose of the evaluation was to identify strengths and weaknesses of the PBS program and to implement changes to improve program effectiveness and positive outcomes for students. An exploratory case study design was used to achieve an in-depth understanding of the program through the use of quantitative and qualitative data collection. The evaluation was completed within one school year, between November 2007 and May 2008. The participants …

The Use Of Item Response Theory In Developing A Phonics Diagnostic Inventory, Cynthia A. Pirani-Mcgurl

Open Access Dissertations

This study was conducted to investigate the reliability of the Phonics Diagnostic Inventory (PDI), a curriculum-based, specific skill mastery measurement tool for diagnosing and informing the treatment of decoding weaknesses. First, a modified one-parameter item response theory model was employed to identify the properties of potential items for inclusion in each subtest to then inform the construction of subtests using the most reliable items. Second, the properties of each subtest were estimated and examined. The test information and test characteristic curves (TCC) for the newly developed forms are reported. Finally, the accuracy and sensitivity of PDI cut scores for each …

Reaching The Poorest Through Microfinance: Learning From Saving For Change Program In Mali, Mukul Acharya

Open Access Dissertations

This study used secondary data to analyze the Saving for Change (SfC) program of Oxfam America in Mali. SfC uses a model of microfinance that is based on education and savings-led approach and self-help methodology. The program teaches the poorest women how to form and manage a group to handle savings and credit related needs. The group learns to systematically collect savings from its members; lend the money to its members with interest and keep a record of all transactions. SfC has created an oral recordkeeping system which is helpful for groups that have mostly or all illiterate women. The …

The Influence Of Parent And Community Involvement On Local School Councils In Massachusetts, Leslie B Stein

Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014

Education reform efforts in the last fifteen to twenty years at the state and federal levels have provisions for family/community involvement in the schools based on beliefs that partnerships lead to higher student achievement and better outcomes for students, parents and teachers. These requirements have embraced the concept of parent and community involvement in various forms including some aspects of school governance. The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 included this concept of participatory governance with the establishment of local school councils (LSC). The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the function and influence of local school …

Adult Student Persistence In Online Education: Developing A Model To Understand The Factors That Affect Adult Student Persistence In A Course, Raymond J Mcgivney

Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the persistence of adult students in online undergraduate courses at the community college level. Quantitative analysis of survey results from 476 students enrolled in on-line courses at two community colleges indicate that desire to complete the degree, previous experience in on-line courses and assignment completion are the strongest predictors of course completion. The findings from this research also provide the basis for making recommendations for future research and improving policy and practice. Finally, the results of this study suggest the basis for developing new models for understanding persistence …

Teacher Change Facilitated By Sustained School Situated Professional Development: Exemplar Learning Of Technology Enhanced Formative Assessment (Tefa), Karen St. Cyr

Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014

This case study instantiates longitudinal change over a two year period by examining the role of School Situated Sustained Professional Development (SSSPD) on the evolution of the participant's practice. The participant was a secondary science teacher who emerged as an exemplar in integrating Technology Enhanced Formative Assessment (TEFA) pedagogy into her practice, which was facilitated by personal response systems (PRS). The research question was: What could be revealed about the impact of SSSPD by studying teacher learning of a teacher who emerged as an exemplar? The participant was one of ten teachers learning the TEFA pedagogy. Professional development (PD) that …

Senegal Training Manual For Multigrade Teachers, Ministry Of Education, Secondary School Instruction, Elementary And Preschool Instruction

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

This manual was designed for trainers of multigrade schoolteachers. The manual contains information on multigrade instruction as well as training activities for teachers.

Five themes are addressed in this manual and each one is divided into sessions. Each session begins with the objectives, materials necessary, duration, and reading.

The first part presents the goals of the training and implementation strategies as well as a frame of reference. The second part addresses the study of the various modules structured in units.

Senegal Teacher's Guide For Multigrade Classrooms, Ministry Of Education, Secondary School Instruction, Elementary And Preschool Instruction

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

This guide includes the following training modules:

1) Module 1 : Purpose and Background of Multigrade Teaching ;

• Provides the context of MGCs throughout the world and Senegal and explains their relevance and efficiency.

2) Module 2 : MG Classroom Management Tools;

• Presents teachers with various tools, techniques and their application.

3) Module 3 : MG Classroom Management Techniques;

• Examines different techniques, their use, as well as their benefits to students and teachers.

4) Module 4 : Community as Resource; and

• Addresses the relationship between the school and the community, local materials that can be used as …

Senegal Guide Du Maitre Des Classes Multigrades, Ministere De L'Education, Charge De L'Enseignement Prescolaire, De L'Enseignement Elementaire Et Du Moyen

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

Ce guide vous propose les modules suivants :

1) Module 1 : Justification et fondements de l’enseignement multigrade ;

• Dresse la situation des CMG dans le monde et au Sénégal et explique leur pertinence et leur efficacité.

2) Module 2 : Instruments ou outils de gestion pédagogique des CMG ;

• Présente les différents outils, leurs techniques d’élaboration et leur utilisation par le maître.

3) Module 3 : Les techniques de gestion des CMG ;

• Examine les différentes techniques, leur utilisation ainsi que leurs apports aux élèves et aux maîtres.

4) Module 4 : La communauté comme ressource ;

• Aborde la …

Detailed Report Of Multigrade Workshop & Evaluation Summary, Center For International Education

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

From May 18 to 21st, the international workshop of the project "learning initiatives for Rural Education" (LIRE) took place at Lamentin Hotel in Saly/Somone, Mbour, Senegal. The Workshop was organized by the Ministry of Pre-school, elementary, and Middle Schools of Senegal in collaboration with The World bank, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

The LIRE project was financed through the World Bank-administered Bank-Netherlands Partnership Program (BNPP). Since August 2007, the project has been working with teachers, head teachers, inspectors and local education partners and administrative officials on training, materials development, monitoring tools and community advocacy around multi-grade pedagogy. The approach …

Senegal Manuel Du Formateur Des Maitres De Classes Multigrades, Ministere De L'Education, Charge De L'Enseignement Prescolaire, De L'Enseignement Elementaire Et Du Moyen

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

Avec un Taux Brut de Scolarisation (TBS) de 86% en 2007, le Sénégal est résolument engagé dans la lutte pour réaliser les objectifs d’une Education de Qualité Pour Tous d’ici l’an 2015. Mais pour y arriver, il faudra identifier les meilleures stratégies permettant d’enrôler dans le système tous les enfants en âge d’aller à l’école. Ces enfants, pour la plupart, se trouvent dans les hameaux les plus reculés en zone rurale. Les classes multi grades apparaissent ainsi comme une alternative incontournable dans les zones rurales et urbaines à faible densité de population si le pays veut réaliser la scolarisation universelle …

Final Report, Center For International Education

Learning Initiatives for Rural Education

Since August 2007, the Learning Initiatives for Rural Education (LIRE) project in Senegal and The Gambia has strengthened educators' capacity to deliver and support quality multi-grade (MG) education in rural areas with low population densities. In a truly collaborative approach, the LIRE project worked with 20 demonstration schools (13 in Senegal and 7 in The Gambia) to develop a teacher training manual and teachers' guide that was locally appropriate and in keeping with the curricula of each country. The LIRE team was truly international, with team members in Senegal, The Gambia and in the United States. The team met regularly …

Stitching The Pieces Together To Reveal Generalised Patterns: Systematic Research Reviews, Secondary Re-Analyses, Case-To-Case Comparisons, And Meta-Syntheses Of Qualitative Research Studies, Gretchen Rossman, L. Yore, B. Hand, M. C. Shelley Ii

Center for International Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Assessment Practice And Perception Of Social Science Instructors In Afghanistan, Delawar Darmal

Master's Capstone Projects

This thesis has been prepared with three objectives in mind. First, investigating and identifying the problems and challenge of assessment is essential to the quality of education as well as to the reform of education in Afghanistan. Any reforms and the improvement of education are greatly based on the findings of research. Therefore, this project is targeting to facilitate this process.

Second, this research project is aiming to explain the assessment that is practiced in Higher Education of Afghanistan. This is essential to two critical issues. It is useful not just to Afghan instructors to know about the assessment practices …

Civics And Citizenship Education In Schools In Afghanistan, Mohammad Tariq Habibyar

Master's Capstone Projects

This thesis focuses on the status of civics and citizenship education in schools in Afghanistan. My purpose for this study was (a) to understand what is taught about civics education in classrooms, (b) what concepts of civics education are addressed in the national curriculum and the text books, and (c) what role civics education plays in Afghan schools to produce productive citizens. My assumption is that schools have direct impact on civics understanding of the students and how they use their civics knowledge in everyday life. Civics education raises students’ political, governance, and social awareness and informs them about their …

The Role Of An Educational Website In Providing Better Opportunities For Kabul Education University, Siddiqullah Barikzai

Master's Capstone Projects

Technology has played an important role in improving and expanding education worldwide. Website is a part of technology through which institutions and companies can easily and cheaply share and advertise their profiles with rest of the world.

Kabul Education University (KEU) where I used to teach is a newly established (2003) university in Kabul (the capital city); it trains professional teachers for secondary schools. The university did not have a website till recently (June 2009), while all other public universities in Kabul had it. So, I developed a website for it due to the demand of the university administrators, teachers, …