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Teaching The Cultures Of Minnesota Native American Tribes: Reported Comfort Level Of Teachers In Meeting Minnesota English Language Arts Standards, James D. Autio
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The issue of how to teach about Minnesota Native American tribes in elementary school intrigues me because of my personal experiences growing up as an Ojibwe/Finnish person. As an adult, I became an educator and wanted to improve my craft while also helping other teachers to feel better about working with this topic. The Minnesota English Language Arts standards specify a need for second- and fourth-grade teachers to teach about Dakota and Ojibwe people, but teachers report varying levels of comfort. This paper examines similar state-mandated situations in Montana and Alaska, and different ways in which the schools tried to …
Student Engagement And Project-Based Learning In The Social Studies Classroom, Noelle J. Nelson
Student Engagement And Project-Based Learning In The Social Studies Classroom, Noelle J. Nelson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, how is student engagement affected through Project-Based Learning in an eleventh grade social studies classroom? It documents one teacher’s ability to incorporate Project-Based Learning in an urban high school social studies classroom. It will show that with the use of Project-Based Learning student engagement does increase. Students are pushed to critically think, problem solve, investigate, and collaborate. The author documents the details of a World War II Project-Based Learning unit and uses related research literature to construct meaning and validate the study. She looks into the different teaching strategies and scaffolding to …
Perceptions Of Co-Teaching, Ashlee Wicks
Perceptions Of Co-Teaching, Ashlee Wicks
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research project was to investigate mainstream and ESL teachers’ perceptions of co-teaching. Electronic surveys were used to collect data. Teachers were asked to reflect on experiences they have had co-teaching. In addition, they were asked to share beliefs about ESL program models, co-teaching, and components they believe are necessary to make coteaching successful. Results show that a high percentage of mainstream and ESL teachers believe that co-teaching is a highly effective ESL program model and are willing to co-teach. However, both teachers with experience co-teaching and without acknowledge that there are many challenges to successfully co-teach. …
Teacher Sustainability Cultural Wealth Among Suburban Educators Of Color, Verna Wong
Teacher Sustainability Cultural Wealth Among Suburban Educators Of Color, Verna Wong
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, how do teachers of color sustain themselves in a profession that struggles to retain teachers? It utilized bell hooks’s feminist theory to look at the challenges and strengths of teachers through gender, race and class intersections. Because retention is a concern, especially among teachers of color, the ndings describe how teachers utilized cultural wealth to strengthen their capacity to stay in their profession. Tara Yosso (2005) denes cultural wealth as “an array of knowledge, skills, abilities, and contacts possessed and utilized by Communities of Color to survive and resist macro and micro …
The Connection Between Movement And Student Engagement In A Kindergarten Classroom, Catherine B. Lay
The Connection Between Movement And Student Engagement In A Kindergarten Classroom, Catherine B. Lay
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was: How will regular movement opportunities impact student engagement in a kindergarten classroom? This capstone begins with the personal experiences and influences of the author that led her to this question. Research on the connection between the brain, movement, and development is explained. Programs and countries that integrate frequent movement opportunities into their school schedules are examined in chapter two. This action research project uses a mixed-methods approach to observe off-task behavior during an independent writing period in a kindergarten class. Two weeks of observation are followed by two weeks of movement intervention …
World History Unit Plan That Nurtures Habits Of Mind And Integrates Strategies Promoted By The National Urban Alliance, Katherine A. Martin
World History Unit Plan That Nurtures Habits Of Mind And Integrates Strategies Promoted By The National Urban Alliance, Katherine A. Martin
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was: In what ways can I develop a social studies unit plan that fosters Habits of Mind as learning outcomes and integrates strategies that will positively impact student engagement? The author began her research by investigating the topic of student engagement and instructional strategies promoted by the National Urban Alliance to enhance student engagement. The author also investigated Habits of Mind and the writings of Costa and Kallick. The unit plan was designed using the Understanding by Design Model from Wiggins and McTighe. The result of the research was a social studies unit …
How Anchor Charts Can Engage Students In Interactive Read-Alouds, Christine Simmet
How Anchor Charts Can Engage Students In Interactive Read-Alouds, Christine Simmet
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question explored and answered in this project was, can anchor charts make readalouds more interactive and engaging? This project documents the exploration and creation of anchor charts in a read-aloud setting. In conjunction with the Journeys’ (2009) curriculum the researcher created four anchor charts with a goal to create more engagement and increase the interactive quality of read-alouds. The researcher utilizes different types of anchor charts to see student engagement responses. She details the literature surrounding anchor charts as well as giving some background regarding read- alouds and engagement strategies for young learners. The researcher then describes the …
High School Water Quality Curriculum For Rural And Urban Areas, James David Mesik
High School Water Quality Curriculum For Rural And Urban Areas, James David Mesik
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this curriculum development Capstone was to create a unit of lessons to address the topic of water quality for high school students in an agricultural class focusing on natural resources. The curriculum contains lessons that tackle issues related to both farmland and nonfarm related water quality issues. Methods of teaching include hands-on lessons, a field trip and a guest speaker. Specific issues are confronted and potential solutions to water quality problems are presented. The overall goal is to create curriculum that would foster a sense of water quality stewardship in students. Included with this curriculum are copies …
How Vocabulary Word Selection, Instructional Strategies, And Assessments Affect Student Retention Of Newly Learned Words, Amber Rustand
How Vocabulary Word Selection, Instructional Strategies, And Assessments Affect Student Retention Of Newly Learned Words, Amber Rustand
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Vocabulary word selection and instruction is hard for educators to grasp, with so many methods to choose from. Focusing on the question of How does the selection of vocabulary words, instruction, and assessment affect the retention of newly learned vocabulary? leads us to our answer. The capstone study focusing around this question made it evident that educators need to select words from text, differ instruction throughout a two-week time frame, and assess on between eight and twelve words for every two-week period. Students need to be given time to connect and work with the words that are new to them. …
Culturally Responsive Teaching To Support Karen Newcomers, Win World
Culturally Responsive Teaching To Support Karen Newcomers, Win World
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to provide information about the Karen culture and Karen newcomers to the United States. Emphasis is placed on Karen students who brought their culture into the classrooms or the schools. The study discussed culturally responsive teaching to support Karen newcomers. The literature review provided a foundation for the study by including research on effective culturally responsive teaching that will help eliminate cultural barriers between students and teachers and research on how to teach culturally responsive strategies to help Karen students to understand the content. A qualitative approach was used, including interviews and surveys with …
A Text Analysis Of How Passive Voice In A Biology Textbook Impacts English Language Learners, Karli Jo Neilson
A Text Analysis Of How Passive Voice In A Biology Textbook Impacts English Language Learners, Karli Jo Neilson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
With so many ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers currently co-teaching, it is important to investigate how academic text interferes with the general understanding of the text for ELLs (English Language Learners). This study examined the use of the passive voice in a biology textbook in a high school co-taught biology ESL classroom. The general research questions were: how often does the use of passive voice occur and what does the use of passive voice look like in Biology (Nowicki, 2008); what types of issues can passive voice cause for teachers and students, including classroom expectations of using the …
Are Characteristics Of A Professional Learning Community Guiding Student Achievement, Staci Faye Souhan
Are Characteristics Of A Professional Learning Community Guiding Student Achievement, Staci Faye Souhan
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this capstone was, are characteristics of a PLC guiding student achievement? The inspiration for this capstone was sparked by an unexplainable anomaly within a school district's MCA performance data between schools within their district and an intense interest in a DuFour’s research addressing professional learning communities. The author of this case-study style research looked to examine if characteristics of a PLC can be present and guide student performance without a fully functioning and formal PLC school-wide structure. This study documents that singular aspects of a PLC can guide student achievement and likens a co-taught classroom …
Improving Educational Practices For Karen Newcomers By Understanding The Schooling Experiences Of Karen Refugee Students, Alice Ramona Vang
Improving Educational Practices For Karen Newcomers By Understanding The Schooling Experiences Of Karen Refugee Students, Alice Ramona Vang
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The Karen people are one of the newest refugee populations to immigrate to the United States, but very little is known about them. The Karen have endured a civil war in Burma that has caused family separation, loss of loved ones, interrupted education and suffering from human rights violations. This research aims to gather vital information about the educational experiences of Karen students in order to inform and prepare educators to respond to the academic, cultural, and social needs of this population. Seven Karen high school students were interviewed to share their perspectives, and teacher observations are also included in …
Tales For A Teacher’S Toolbox: Stories Of Emergent Bilinguals And Their Funds Of Knowledge, Erika Rae Bakkum
Tales For A Teacher’S Toolbox: Stories Of Emergent Bilinguals And Their Funds Of Knowledge, Erika Rae Bakkum
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Through a systematic review of ethnographic studies, this qualitative study collected stories that demonstrate the cultural wealth of emergent bilingual students. The stories collected demonstrate the aspirational, navigational, social, linguistic, familial, and resistant capitals (Yosso, 2005) as well as the experiential and social and emotional assets (WIDA, 2014) of emergent bilingual students. The narratives documented in this study can be retold as counter narratives that contradict commonly held deficit beliefs regarding emergent bilingual students, their families, and their communities.
Grade Retention And English Learners: A Literature Review And Teacher Interviews, Katie Jo Cordes
Grade Retention And English Learners: A Literature Review And Teacher Interviews, Katie Jo Cordes
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this study was, what is the effect of retention on English language learners (ELL)? The ELL student population has increased in United States schools and in this dynamic and heterogeneous group includes students that perform lower than grade level. This capstone provides research and teacher interviews regarding the efficacy of holding back struggling English learners. Following discussion of current research and teacher opinions, the author examines the results to form implications for educators considering using grade retention with English language learners.
The Impact Of Environmental Education On Environmental Literacy And Motivation In Urban Communities, Amber Huston
The Impact Of Environmental Education On Environmental Literacy And Motivation In Urban Communities, Amber Huston
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is does environmental education increase environmental literacy and motivation in urban communities in the United States? The motivating factor for this capstone was from evidence that environmental education can not only improve motivation and literacy, but also help improve academic achievement. This capstone details both historical and current data to support full integration of structured environmental education programs into urban academics. The author documents the results of a survey based on observations made by various academic instructors of both their personal experiences, as well as their view of their students’ experiences, both inside and outside the …
Teaching Problem Solving In Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction In Kindergarten, Christy Faith Wilson Eckenrode
Teaching Problem Solving In Mathematics: Cognitively Guided Instruction In Kindergarten, Christy Faith Wilson Eckenrode
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The study explores the effects of mathematical conversations, using Cognitively Guided Instruction practices (CGI), on the problem solving ability and academic language usage of kindergarten students. Four treatment groups of students were followed over a ten week period. Students were grouped by the number of minutes that they participated in mathematical conversations per week. Students in the group that had the most minutes per week of mathematical conversations grew by the greatest amount in both problem solving and academic language capacity. Students in the control group regressed in both problem solving and academic language. Students in the group the met …
What Are You Teaching? Curriculums, Expectations, And Experiences Of High School Writing Teachers And First Year Composition, Kathryn Elizabeth Fullmer
What Are You Teaching? Curriculums, Expectations, And Experiences Of High School Writing Teachers And First Year Composition, Kathryn Elizabeth Fullmer
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore the teaching of writing in high school and first year composition. In depth interviews and document analysis were employed to allow five writing instructors to detail their curriculums, expectations, and experiences of teaching writing. Findings suggest that the teaching of writing is nuanced and is affected by many outside variables. Implications for future research include the possibility of developing better communication between high school and colleges, more and better professional development for writing instructors at both levels, and an evaluation of current practices at the high school and college level.
Case Studies Of Innovative Science Teacher Professional Development Programming At Biological Field Stations, Sarah Rose Johnson
Case Studies Of Innovative Science Teacher Professional Development Programming At Biological Field Stations, Sarah Rose Johnson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This capstone research study was motivated by a desire to find ways to narrow the relationship gap between scientists and educators by creating avenues for cross communication for both professional communities to access each other. The overall purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to look at innovative teacher professional development programs at biological field stations to inform the future development and facilitation of science teacher professional development programming. The study included questionnaires, interviews, and site visits to four field stations across America collecting data based on innovative criteria. New themes for facilitating innovative teacher professional development emerged including: …
Mindset And Instructional Practices In The Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Charity Hall
Mindset And Instructional Practices In The Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Charity Hall
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
How is teacher mindset reflected in instructional practices within the elementary mathematics classroom? Drawing from Dr. Carol Dweck’s and Dr. Jo Boaler’s mindset research and N. Webb’s and E. Fennema’s studies of teacher instructional practices, this research focuses on how teacher mindset is tied to interactions with elementary math students. This research also draws from Dr. Jo Boaler’s extensive work with mindset research. Teachers send strong messages to students every day about their students’ ability to achieve and grow. Growth mindset messages tell students they are capable, while fixed mindset messages may hinder a student’s growth. In the interest of …
Can’T I Speak Japanese? The Use Of Students’ L1 As A Cognitive Tool For Collaborative Writing Tasks In A Japanese Efl Context, Brian Steven Berning
Can’T I Speak Japanese? The Use Of Students’ L1 As A Cognitive Tool For Collaborative Writing Tasks In A Japanese Efl Context, Brian Steven Berning
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers believe that their students should be speaking only English in the classroom; that this will enhance and better their language learning. This study explores the differences in students’ writing between two groups: one that uses only the L2 (English) to collaborate during a pre-writing task, and the second that uses the L2 along with L1 support (English with Japanese support). The question of the study is this: How does the use of L1 as a cognitive tool effect the written L2 output of students working collaboratively compared to the exclusive use of …
Twelve Best Practices For Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction For K-5 Elementary Students, Shannon Elisa King
Twelve Best Practices For Mathematics Vocabulary Instruction For K-5 Elementary Students, Shannon Elisa King
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, what are the current best practices for mathematics vocabulary instruction for K-5 elementary students? The motivation for this capstone was the struggle with K-5 students to understand the complex language of mathematics vocabulary. This capstone details the challenges students face in learning mathematics vocabulary, twelve best practices for mathematics vocabulary instruction for K-5 elementary students, and the level of awareness teachers have of these twelve best practices and the level of use of these strategies within their classrooms. Key influence for this capstone was the accreditation process for mathematics at the writer’s …
The Academic And Psychological Effects Of Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities To Solve Problems Using Cognitive And Metacognitive Strategies, Holly Andersen
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research conduced in this study addressed the question: what are the academic and psychological effects of teaching students with learning disabilities to solve word problems using cognitive and metacognitive strategies? During the study, metacognitive and cognitive strategies are employed by a teacher in her middle school math class composed of students with various disabilities. It included using a prescribed method to approach each word problem presented, followed by reflection questions that tracked students’ growth in self-confidence. The researcher documents the exact methods used and utilizes related research literature as a basis for this study. She reflects on the both …
Teacher Training To Identify Students With Dyslexia. Implementation Of Accommodations To Help Students Be Successful, Brita Marie Gibart
Teacher Training To Identify Students With Dyslexia. Implementation Of Accommodations To Help Students Be Successful, Brita Marie Gibart
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This curriculum-based capstone provides educators with an in-depth review of how teachers are being trained to identify students with dyslexia. It can be used as a guide to the implementation of accommodations to help students with dyslexia be successful in the classroom. The research question for this capstone is: What is being done for students with dyslexia in our schools? A review of the literature included the definition dyslexia through misconceptions, diagnosis procedures and brain imaging techniques. Dyslexia is identified in the classroom through a person’s rights, the stigma associated with dyslexia and a teacher’s role in identification. The strategy …
How Formative Assessments Can Be Utilized To Respond To Student Needs Within A Balanced Literacy Framework, Amber Ann Steinmeyer
How Formative Assessments Can Be Utilized To Respond To Student Needs Within A Balanced Literacy Framework, Amber Ann Steinmeyer
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The guiding research question of this capstone project was, how can formative assessments be utilized within a balanced literacy framework in order to respond to the reading needs of 5th grade students? The key motivation for formulating this research study was the constant struggle to find a framework for teaching reading that could address the diverse learning needs of students. The author defines formative assessments, in terms of a process, and then explores the balanced literacy framework. The study continued by exploring how the formative assessment process can be utilized within a balanced literacy framework, as it relates to the …
How Can Instructional Staff Be Effectively Introduced To A Standards-Based Grading Policy, Joseph Patrick Millard
How Can Instructional Staff Be Effectively Introduced To A Standards-Based Grading Policy, Joseph Patrick Millard
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Standards-based grading is a style of grading developed over the last 30 years as a means for schools to create agreed upon standards for learning and grading (McMillan, 2000). While there may be school policies and philosophies motivating a teacher’s grading system, there is no universal method or standard for the assessment of American students. Grading practices may vary from school to school, subject to subject, and classroom to classroom. As a result, teachers’ grading policies have the potential to become subjective, based more on teacher experience and preference than a student’s mastery of a subject. Subjective grading is problematic …
How Fostering Parent/Teacher Communication Impacts Literacy Development In The Primary Grades, Melissa Ann Hibbard
How Fostering Parent/Teacher Communication Impacts Literacy Development In The Primary Grades, Melissa Ann Hibbard
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is, How can fostering parent/teacher communication impact literacy development in the primary grades? This capstone provides research proving the importance of communication between educators and families to increase literacy success for children. To answer the research question a resource toolbox was created and included in the Appendix as a practical tool for teachers and parents to utilize. The resource toolbox includes two categories of tools; communication tools, and literacy tools. The focus in regards to teachers, was tools to enhance efficient, and effective communication with parents. The focus in regards to parents, was to provide reading …