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Full-Text Articles in Education
Changes In Perceived Self-Efficacy And Attitude Toward Science And Teaching Science In Elementary School, Betsy Ann Sullivan
Changes In Perceived Self-Efficacy And Attitude Toward Science And Teaching Science In Elementary School, Betsy Ann Sullivan
Dissertations
This study was developed in an effort to ascertain if a proposed biological laboratory curriculum as developed and modeled by the instructor would affect the attitudes and perceived self-efficacy towards science, science teaching and ability to learn science of pre-service elementary teachers. Self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies were incorporated as the variation. Attitudinal topics investigated were the perceived ability to learn science and to teach science.
Students in one biology for non-science majors' biology laboratory class at the University of Southern Mississippi participated in this case study. The group participated in the modified laboratory section which utilized SRL activities, including reflections …
Establishing Construct Validity Of The Biology I Subject Area Testing Program In Mississippi, Christy Michelle Hollis Philippoff
Establishing Construct Validity Of The Biology I Subject Area Testing Program In Mississippi, Christy Michelle Hollis Philippoff
Dissertations
Science education has undergone many revisions since it was permanently embedded in the country's educational curriculum at the end of the 19th century. Some of these revisions occurred as a direct result of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This legislation placed more accountability on schools than ever before by requiring that all students pass a series of standardized tests (USDE, 2010). High schools in Mississippi require four areas of standardized testing: English II, Algebra I, U.S. History, and Biology I (Wroten, 2008). The focus of this study is the Biology I Subject Area Test.
In an effort to …
Effective Science Teachers’ Professional Development: A Multiple-Case Study Of District-Level Science Supervisors’ Perspectives, Chris J. Schaben
Effective Science Teachers’ Professional Development: A Multiple-Case Study Of District-Level Science Supervisors’ Perspectives, Chris J. Schaben
College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
At its heart, science teachers’ professional development is about continual growth and improvement (Yager, 2005). Conducting research to understand what constitutes effective professional development is inherently complex (Hewson, 2007). The imperative to link research on professional development to student achievement (Fishman, Marx, Best, & Tal, 2003) increases complexity of research on the topic. These complexities require multiple research approaches and indicate that all stakeholders could provide insights to identify what constitutes effective professional development. District-level science supervisors’ voices are missing from the data on effective science teachers’ professional development and this provides a potential gap in the literature (Banilower, Heck, …
The Effects Of Simplified Schema-Based Instruction On Elementary Students' Mathematical Word Problem Solving Performance, Houbin Lewis Fang
The Effects Of Simplified Schema-Based Instruction On Elementary Students' Mathematical Word Problem Solving Performance, Houbin Lewis Fang
Dissertations
This study is an evidence-based mathematical intervention in word problem solving for elementary students. One of the purposes of teaching mathematics is to help students apply mathematics to real life situations. As we know, teaching word problem solving is a very suitable format for this purpose. Schema-based instruction (SBI) is one of the most supported methods for teaching word problem solving. In the current literature, there are four steps in SBI: identifying the problem type, applying corresponding method, determining an operation, and solving the problem. The problem with the current SBI is that there are no agreed-upon definitions for word …
Causal Attributions Of Nontraditional Students In A Developmental Mathematics Course At A Two-Year College, Jacob Dasinger
Causal Attributions Of Nontraditional Students In A Developmental Mathematics Course At A Two-Year College, Jacob Dasinger
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between exam grades and students' causal attributions of their grades in a developmental mathematics course at a community college. Also investigated were differences in causal attributions of grades between Traditional and Nontraditional students. In addition, among Nontraditional students, differences based on gender were examined. The sample consisted of 331 completed questionnaires from 24 sections at a southern community college in the Spring 2010 semester.
The instrument used was a self-report questionnaire consisting of four parts: (a) demographic data section; (b) seven questions to determine students' classification; (c) short …
The Relationship Between Attitude And Anxiety Toward Teaching Science In Pre-Service Elementary Teachers And The Use Of Science Olympiad Events, Allison Armstrong Downing
The Relationship Between Attitude And Anxiety Toward Teaching Science In Pre-Service Elementary Teachers And The Use Of Science Olympiad Events, Allison Armstrong Downing
Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the anxiety and attitudes of pre-service elementary teachers toward teaching science and the use of Science Olympiad events in an elementary science methods course. The participants were 34 pre-service elementary teachers enrolled in the Winter 2010 and Spring 2011 trimesters in the course Science in the Elementary School at a private university in south Mississippi. Attitude toward teaching science was measured using the Revised Science Attitude Scale. Anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y). Data collection involved participants taking pretests for attitude and state anxiety on …
Mathematically Gifted Students' Experiences Of Challenge With Cognitively Guided Instruction, Kim Krusen Mccomas
Mathematically Gifted Students' Experiences Of Challenge With Cognitively Guided Instruction, Kim Krusen Mccomas
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
This study examined to what extent and in what ways mathematically gifted students were challenged in two elementary classrooms taught by exemplary teachers using the principles of Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI). The two case studies included a third grade class and a fourth/fifth split grade class, with five mathematically advanced participants from each grade. A top tier and a second tier of mathematically advanced students were identified, with the top tier of five students identified as mathematically gifted. Classroom observations of CGI math lessons, interviews with students and teachers, and analysis of students' problem-solving strategies were conducted over a five …
The Unforgettable Experience Of A Workshop On Pythagoras Theorem, Salima Shahzad Arwani
The Unforgettable Experience Of A Workshop On Pythagoras Theorem, Salima Shahzad Arwani
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
No abstract provided.
Investigating Macroscopic, Submicroscopic, And Symbolic Connections In A College-Level General Chemistry Laboratory, Felicia Culver Thadison
Investigating Macroscopic, Submicroscopic, And Symbolic Connections In A College-Level General Chemistry Laboratory, Felicia Culver Thadison
Dissertations
Explanations of chemical phenomena rely on understanding the behavior of submicroscopic particles. Because this level is “invisible,” it is described using symbols such as models, diagrams and equations. For this reason, students often view chemistry as a “difficult” subject. The laboratory offers a unique opportunity for the students to experience chemistry macroscopically as well as symbolically. The purpose of this investigation was to determine how chemistry lab students explained chemical phenomenon on the macroscopic, submicroscopic, and representational/symbolic level. The participants were undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory level general chemistry lab course. Students’ background information (gender, the number of previous …
Changing Perceptions Of Science In Undergraduate Students: A Mixed Methods Case Study, Cindy S. Larson-Miller
Changing Perceptions Of Science In Undergraduate Students: A Mixed Methods Case Study, Cindy S. Larson-Miller
Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
The purpose of this bounded single-case study was to explore the understanding of the nature and process of science for undergraduate students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The study investigated one professor’s methodology to explicitly teach undergraduate students about the nature and process of science, and documented their understanding and perception of science, both pre- and post-course.
Using a mixed method approach, data were collected to provide a better understanding of teaching the nature and process of science. Three main types of data were analyzed: the process of science (TPOS) assessment; survey questions, and the module curriculum.
Participating students …
Does The Use Of A Graphing Calculator Tutorial Affect The Attitudes, Achievement, And Calculator Ability Of Non-Mathematics Majors In A Calculus Course?, Kari Michelle Everett
Does The Use Of A Graphing Calculator Tutorial Affect The Attitudes, Achievement, And Calculator Ability Of Non-Mathematics Majors In A Calculus Course?, Kari Michelle Everett
Dissertations
The use of graphing calculators in a mathematics classroom is becoming more common place. Teaching with technology has allowed for advancements in the rapidity with which students learn and the degree to which they retain the material taught. As a result, teachers have time to delve more deeply into mathematical topics that might otherwise have merely been touched upon.
This study shows the effects of a graphing calculator tutorial for non-mathematics major students taking calculus as a required course. Qualitative methods were used in order to provide information about the types of students taking a calculus course for nonmathematic students. …
Preparing Algebra Students For Washington State’S End Of Course Exam, Mallory Jane Neher
Preparing Algebra Students For Washington State’S End Of Course Exam, Mallory Jane Neher
All Graduate Projects
This project was a response to the changes in the Washington State math assessments for high school students. Algebra was the focus of this curriculum alignment and resources were created to better help Washington State students pass their Algebra End of Course exam. A significant part of the project was the course-pacing guide, standards mapping, and integrated content and language objectives that were written for key lessons that specifically addressed state standards. Lastly, there was a tool designed for students to monitor and track their own progress with the Algebra state standards.
Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Science Teachers Through Action Research: A Case Study From Pakistan, Nelofer Halai, Manzoor Ali Khan
Developing Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Science Teachers Through Action Research: A Case Study From Pakistan, Nelofer Halai, Manzoor Ali Khan
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
The aim of this study is to analyze the action research undertaken by Khan as a teacher researcher in a private school as part of the degree requirement of his M.Ed. program in Teacher Education at the Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development. The purpose of this analysis undertaken by the first author and supervisor of the study in collaboration with Khan was to understand the development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of the teacher researcher through action research in a science classroom in the context of Pakistan. Khan taught the concepts of heat and temperature using an inquiry …
In Students' Words: The Development Of Student Attitudes Toward Mathematics - A Social Perspective, Dianne Kathryn Kelly
In Students' Words: The Development Of Student Attitudes Toward Mathematics - A Social Perspective, Dianne Kathryn Kelly
Graduate Doctoral Dissertations
Student interest in pursuing advanced studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has garnered much attention lately from government, business, and education leaders due to inadequate flow in the United States' STEM pipeline. Existing research points to mathematical self-efficacy and to mathematical self-concept beliefs as integral to the likelihood that a student will pursue a career in a STEM field. Students' identities, such as the "good-math-student" identity need to be verified in order for students to enact them. Both identity verification and attitude are influenced by self-efficacy and self-concept. Existing research also points to teachers, parents, and …
One Step On A New Journey, Salima Shahzad Arwani
One Step On A New Journey, Salima Shahzad Arwani
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
No abstract provided.
Loving The World And Our Children Enough--Nurturing Decidedly Different Scientifc Minds, By Design, Stephanie Pace Marshall
Loving The World And Our Children Enough--Nurturing Decidedly Different Scientifc Minds, By Design, Stephanie Pace Marshall
Publications & Research
Wise world-shaping and problem-solving requires that we and our children think in decidedly different, integral and wise ways. This transformation requires a fundamental shift in consciousness and the emergence of global minds that can creatively live into a new worldview of an interconnected planet and a sustainable and interdependent human family. "The fullness of our humanity and the sustainability of our planet rest with the nurturing of decidedly different minds."
Using Technology To Increase Interest In The Learning Of Mathematics, Teresa May Anderson
Using Technology To Increase Interest In The Learning Of Mathematics, Teresa May Anderson
All Graduate Projects
The purpose of this project was to develop unit openers in the form of PowerPoint presentations to introduce students to upcoming topics. Within the PowerPoint presentations, relevant visual images are used to pique the interest of the students. Also, within the presentations are opportunities for students to use a hand-held Student Response System to respond to questions. The questions the students answer are related to the upcoming material. After responses are entered, a visual display will show the responses and discussion will follow between the students and the teacher. The project will be used in geometry mathematics classrooms at the …
Fostering Logical Thinking In Novice Student Programmers, Kyle Wenholz
Fostering Logical Thinking In Novice Student Programmers, Kyle Wenholz
Summer Research
Many student programmers practice what is called tinkering (attempting to fix broken code by making small haphazard changes). Tinkering wastes time and circumvents the pedagogical purposes of programming exercises in introductory computer science courses. The tinkering process is focused on editing the code before submitting it for compilation, a process that takes code written in a high-level language for translation into machine language (something interpreted directly by the computer). Our hypothesis is that it may be possible to dissuade tinkering by introducing a delay into the compile step, where this delay will keep the student programmer from making changes to …
The Effectiveness Of Computer Games On Mathematics Learning In Elementary School, Sarah Michelle Lakamp
The Effectiveness Of Computer Games On Mathematics Learning In Elementary School, Sarah Michelle Lakamp
Theses Digitization Project
This study examined the use of mathematics computer games on math achievement as assessed by teachers, tests taken by students and students' attitudes. Students who played recreational games at home and used the computer game at school improved more on the math achievement measure compared to students who only played at home, who only played at school, and who played at neither home nor school, indicating that recreational game playing can prime children to gain more benefits from educational software.
Understanding A Pakistani Science Teacher’S Practice Through A Life History Study, Nelofer Halai
Understanding A Pakistani Science Teacher’S Practice Through A Life History Study, Nelofer Halai
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
The purpose of the single case life history study was to understand a female science teacher’s conceptions of the nature of science as explicit in her practice. While this paper highlights these understandings, an additional purpose is to give a detailed account of the process of creating a life history account through more than 13 in-depth interviews. It includes a discussion of what the author calls composite observations where the observations of the teacher and the researcher are presented as a single unified story. Also discussed are ethical issues specific to life history created due to the intimacy created by …
An Examination Of Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Tpack Development Through Participation In A Technology-Based Lesson Study, Julie Whitten Riales
An Examination Of Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Tpack Development Through Participation In A Technology-Based Lesson Study, Julie Whitten Riales
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative research study used a layered case study (Patton, 2002) to examine the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) of a group of inservice secondary mathematics teachers as they participated in a technology-based lesson study. Using the TPACK Development Model (Niess, 2009) as a lens, this dissertation examines interactions of the group members during lesson study meetings as well as individual case studies of four of the six participants. Data were gathered from initial surveys, initial and post-interviews, initial and post-classroom observations, writing prompts, and transcriptions of lesson study group meetings. Data were analyzed to determine the TPACK development …
The Relationship Between Special Education Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge, Instructional Choices, And Beliefs About Teaching And Learning Mathematics, Virginia Rich Lee
The Relationship Between Special Education Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge, Instructional Choices, And Beliefs About Teaching And Learning Mathematics, Virginia Rich Lee
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
Thirty-four certified special education teachers completed four instruments in addition to viewing video recordings of students engaging in mathematical tasks. The mathematical beliefs of special education teachers were investigated through the use of the Mathematics Beliefs Scales (Capraro, 2005). Special education teachers' mathematical knowledge was measured using the Fraction Knowledge Assessment, which included a range of fraction tasks drawn from state and national elementary level mathematics standards. The proposed instruction of the special education teachers was examined through participants' written responses to video recordings of students solving fraction problems. Demographic information was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. Results …