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Full-Text Articles in Education

Exploring The Importance Of Using Formative Assessment In Informing Instruction To Improve Student Learning, Sarah Wilson Oct 2017

Exploring The Importance Of Using Formative Assessment In Informing Instruction To Improve Student Learning, Sarah Wilson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the importance of incorporating formative assessments and use of data to drive instructional decisions and address problems in the learning process for students. The review begins by exploring the definition of formative assessment, and how it can be used in the classroom. It provides examples of formative assessments that can be used in the classroom setting and what those formative assessment could tell a teacher about the next steps in the learning process. Next, this literature review discusses the importance of evaluating and using data gathered from formative assessments in order to make informed instructional decisions …


Parental Involvement In The Homework World, Drew Nonnemacher Oct 2017

Parental Involvement In The Homework World, Drew Nonnemacher

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the trends of homework in current education as well as the effects that parents may have on homework, specifically with upper-level elementary students. Homework is a highly debated topic in the scope of education. The subject matter these days is vastly different from what it was even twenty years ago. That, in turn, could potentially lead towards unnecessary stress at home for parents trying to help their children with their homework. Families and their children tend to be busier than ever in our current society. With so many extra-curricular opportunities and schedules that are borderline out …


Detention Is Not The Answer, Stephanie Mccann Oct 2017

Detention Is Not The Answer, Stephanie Mccann

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

School discipline is used in schools across the United States. It is used to help with controlling students and maintaining behaviors. Also, it helps maintain order in the school. School discipline varies due to the behavior and actions that the students are exhibiting as well as the school context. Detention is one of the most common punishments in schools. Detention usually means that a student remains in school during a certain time and reports to a certain room as a punishment. This literature review will examine various studies conducted on school discipline, particularly those focused on detention, and explore options …


Best Practices In Foreign Language Learning, Kami Kuhlman Oct 2017

Best Practices In Foreign Language Learning, Kami Kuhlman

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the best practices in the setting of a second language classroom. The review begins by discussing a historical perspective of best practices in second language learning, legislation on the subject area, and general information about foreign language classrooms. Following, the review covers “core effective practices” as detailed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign languages. Used interconnectedly, these practices support one another and provide curricular alignment with purpose; however, many questions remain as to the specificity of such practices as much of what is available remains vague.


The Importance Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Melissa Irvin Oct 2017

The Importance Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Melissa Irvin

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review stresses the importance of play for all early learners. The review begins by discussing the history of play and its impact on the evolution of family dynamics over time. Studies have shown that playing provides a safe and necessary way for young learners to be able to practice and experience a variety of life skills, including problem solving within a peer group while gaining and enhancing language skills. Through daily play, young children gain valuable life experiences through a variety of roles that will support growth and ultimately translate into adulthood. According to research, play is an …


Attendance Of Detention In Junior High, Hilary Iehl Oct 2017

Attendance Of Detention In Junior High, Hilary Iehl

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if detention is better attended when students are assigned to serve with the person who doled out the punishment compared to a catchall detention location where the student may or may not know the adult(s) working the room. This action research looked at whether a personal relationship with a student had a greater effect on attendance than students having to find a room with a person they may or may not know. Detentions for 20 students were tracked for six weeks. Quantitative data was collected through the results of assigned …


Reading Research For Struggling And Reluctant Readers, Rebecca Griffin Oct 2017

Reading Research For Struggling And Reluctant Readers, Rebecca Griffin

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Reading instruction is an important part of a child’s education. Reading is essential in their academic career. Students who read well are able to perform at high standards but students who struggle with reading can experience many difficulties, ranging from doing poorly in all subjects to behavior issues. Many researchers are reporting successful studies in closing the achievement gap in reading. Teachers need this information to best support students who need interventions when learning to read. This literature review looks at how best to instruct students who struggle to read.


Effects Of Recess On Student Engagement, Jill Findley Oct 2017

Effects Of Recess On Student Engagement, Jill Findley

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of recess on student engagement. Off-task behavior was observed in students in a fourth grade classroom for four weeks. The first two weeks the students did not receive recess, and the second two weeks the students did receive recess. Quantitative data was collected using the Academic Engagement Monitoring Form (Sprick, Knight, Reinke, and Skyles, 2010). Analysis of the data suggests a positive correlation between recess and on-task behavior.


A Review Of Literature: Project Based Learning In Early Childhood, Danielle Claussen Oct 2017

A Review Of Literature: Project Based Learning In Early Childhood, Danielle Claussen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review describes how project based learning is initiated in an Early Childhood setting. It gives the reader a detailed description on the processes involved in implementation of project work. On how curriculum is incorporated into learning projects. As well as providing the reader with research and background about Project Based Learning.


Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger Oct 2017

Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose behind this action research was to determine the effect Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math, a web-based mathematics program, has on student achievement at a second grade level. The ST Math program was given to a small group of second grade students on top of the classroom mathematics curriculum while another group of students strictly used the classroom mathematics curriculum. A pre and post assessment were given to these students over an eight week period. This quantitative data was analyzed to determine the correlation between the students’ exposer to ST Math and their achievement on the assessments. After analyzing the data, …


Effects Of Upper Elementary Grade Reading Buddies On Literacy Skill Concepts Development In At Risk Preschool Students, Brianna Cleland Oct 2017

Effects Of Upper Elementary Grade Reading Buddies On Literacy Skill Concepts Development In At Risk Preschool Students, Brianna Cleland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of peer reading buddies on early literacy skill acquisition in preschool students. Data was collected over an eight-week period. Following a four-week period of general classroom instruction, a reading buddy partnership was developed with a fifth-grade class. Peers from fifth grade read with preschool students twice a week over a four-week period for a total of eight sessions. Following the treatment period, quantitative data was collected and analyzed. Analysis suggests that peer reading buddies enhances literacy skills in preschool students—especially in the areas involving the use and appreciation of books.


Strengthening Collective Efficacy Through Meaningful Collaboration, Elizabeth Becker Oct 2017

Strengthening Collective Efficacy Through Meaningful Collaboration, Elizabeth Becker

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of structures and processes for meaningful collaboration and the level of collective efficacy in a professional learning community. A combination of the level of trust among the team and the dedication and prioritization of time were critically considered over a period of nearly two months. Data was collected through quantitative surveys and qualitative observations. Analysis of the data collected suggests the fourth grade team's collective efficacy was strengthened as structures and processes for meaningful collaboration were implemented.


Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu Oct 2017

Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine if there is a connection between the implementation of choice in the classroom and students' motivation to read. Research-based literacy framework and a choice model were used over an eight week period of time. Qualitative data was collected at the beginning and the end of the study in the form of surveys. Analysis of the data concluded that kindergarten students when given opportunities for choice in the classroom their motivation to read increased.


Implementing The Stars Program To Improve Reading Comprehension, Nathan Fischer Oct 2017

Implementing The Stars Program To Improve Reading Comprehension, Nathan Fischer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of specific reading comprehension strategies and analysis and practice of specific aspects of reading passages with scores in reading comprehension. The curriculum Strategies To Achieve Reading Success (STARS) was Implemented over an eight week period. To gather baseline data and to assess student progress over the course of the study, the researcher used the Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies (CARS). Analysis of the data collected suggests that the students who were put through the STARS program showed greater gains in reading comprehension …


Flexible Seating Influencing Student Engagement, Samantha Burgeson Oct 2017

Flexible Seating Influencing Student Engagement, Samantha Burgeson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research project was conducted to determine how much seating options can affect the engagement of students in the classroom and if students are able to identify which seating options help them stay engaged. Students were exposed to a variety of different seating options and allowed to explore each one. Students took a survey to show which seating options they believed helped them stay engaged the most in the classroom. The data collected through the survey suggests that students are engaged in traditional and nontraditional seating options. The engagement levels depend upon the individual student.


The Effects Of Alternative Seating On Students With Adhd, Renae Remer Oct 2017

The Effects Of Alternative Seating On Students With Adhd, Renae Remer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if students who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or symptoms of ADHD are able to stay on task more often when they are using alternative seating. Data was taken on students prior to being given alternative seating choices, a data collector ticked every 15 seconds to determine if the student was on task or off task. Data was taken again after the student had used their alternative seating for over a week’s time. Analysis of the data suggests that alternative seating may increase on-task behavior in some children with …


Boosting Reading Scores By Adding In Technology Based Interventions, Kelsey A. Till Oct 2017

Boosting Reading Scores By Adding In Technology Based Interventions, Kelsey A. Till

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if adding a technology based literacy apps in a general education second grade classroom could increase the reading scores of the Informal Decoding Inventory that was given to second grade students, throughout a four month period to check personal growth. It will also look at other reading assessments in reading throughout the time frame, but for the purpose and time of this project the researcher will strictly be looking at growth through the inventory. Technology enriched phonemic awareness with a focus on decoding words, recognizing word patterns and fluency interventions …


Computer Math Games Vs. Paper-Based Intervention Games: Effects On Addition Fact Fluency For Second Grade Students, Amanda Woudstra Oct 2017

Computer Math Games Vs. Paper-Based Intervention Games: Effects On Addition Fact Fluency For Second Grade Students, Amanda Woudstra

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to investigate the ability of computer math games versus paper-based intervention games for improving addition fact fluency. Fact fluency is the ability to answer math facts quickly and accurately. The participants were twenty-one second grade students in a transitional kindergarten through eighth grade private school in a rural setting. Of the twenty-one students, two instructional groups were created through stratified sampling and random selection. One group used computer math games to improve addition fact fluency. The other group played paper-based intervention games to increase their addition fact fluency. The two groups participated …


Speaking My Language: Nurturing Augmentative And Alternative Communication Use Across Settings And Communication Partners In Early Childhood, Allison Grainger Oct 2017

Speaking My Language: Nurturing Augmentative And Alternative Communication Use Across Settings And Communication Partners In Early Childhood, Allison Grainger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores literature on the topic of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) across settings and partners used by children who have Complex Communication Needs (CCN). Children learning speech are often able to develop expressive and receptive language skills due to exposure to many speech models and rich language interactions. Both the quality and quantity of these interactions help typical children develop language skills rapidly (Sennott, Light, and McNaughton, 2016). However, for children who use AAC, modeling is much harder to access. Sennott et al. (2016) found that AAC users see or hear about 24,000 words modeled for them (a …


The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow Oct 2017

The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine commonly reported barriers impacting inclusion in a child care setting. Data was collected through qualitative survey responses via an electronic survey and a small focus group of child care providers. Analysis of the data collected suggested that low wages in child care, home child care, and other community-based settings made it difficult to recruit qualified personnel to support quality inclusion in child care. Additionally, transportation and limited funding opportunities were challenges for inclusion in child care programs.


The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum Oct 2017

The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research was to determine by what method take home literacy bags have an impact on parents’ feelings towards school. Parents completed a short survey early in the school year, prior to literacy bags being sent home. Literacy bags were sent home weekly for six weeks before parents were asked to complete the same survey for a second time. Analysis of the collected data suggests take home literacy bags have a positive impact on families' feelings towards school.


Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland Oct 2017

Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Phonological awareness is a necessary component in order to learn how to read. These skills have to be taught to children. Children who have deficits in phonological awareness are at risk for a learning disability such as dyslexia. This is why explicit instruction in phonological awareness is crucial for development. Due to this, it is important to start assessing children on these skills in preschool and start interventions if they are needed. The purpose of this action research was to shed light on how crucial phonological awareness skills are for development and how if a child is deficient in this …


Addressing Behavioral Deficits In Early Childhood Education: Promoting Positive Socio-Emotional Development Through Dramatic Play, Abbi Strobbe Aug 2017

Addressing Behavioral Deficits In Early Childhood Education: Promoting Positive Socio-Emotional Development Through Dramatic Play, Abbi Strobbe

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper investigates the detrimental effects behavior can have on a child’s social-emotional development and the vital role dramatic play opportunities have in overcoming these developmental deficits. A child’s trajectory for success in school begins in early childhood. Children experience meaningful connections to learning, as well as higher teacher and peer approval, when they are capable of maintaining positive interactions in the classroom. For this to occur, children must have a solid foundation in socio-emotional skills such as expression, understanding, and regulation. Behavioral deficits impede development and reduce the likelihood of academic achievement. However, application of early behavioral and social …


Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures And The Effects On Student Achievement And Engagement, Lisa M. Farmer Aug 2017

Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures And The Effects On Student Achievement And Engagement, Lisa M. Farmer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project is to determine if there is a correlation between Kagan cooperative learning and student achievement and engagement in mathematics. Data was collected using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data was gathered through three math pre and posttests. Qualitative data was collected through observations and interactions with students. Analysis of the data collected suggests that students are more engaged when working in cooperative teams. Growth was also noted from pretests to the posttest.


Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Evidence Based Practices, Michaela Creighton Aug 2017

Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Evidence Based Practices, Michaela Creighton

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Each child that has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is different. However, they have similar characteristics in that they lack communication, social, and adaptive skills. As well as reduced cognitive functioning and gross motor skills. This literature review will look at some of the evidence-based practices for teaching children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It provides information on how to implement them in the early childhood classroom, and focuses on how each practice allows the teacher to adapt it to the student with ASD in one's classroom. It is important that trainings are offered for …


Blended Learning In The Spanish Classroom, Stacy Hauschildt Aug 2017

Blended Learning In The Spanish Classroom, Stacy Hauschildt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Since the inclusion of 21st century skills in education standards, technology inclusion in the classroom has moved to the forefront as numerous districts across the country have gone 1:1 in order to better prepare students for the future. While blended learning, a mix of face to face and instructional technology use, has been primarily used at the university setting for distance classes, there has been a growing call from administration to included more blended practices into the secondary classroom. This action research project, given in a Spanish II high school classroom, looked at including student choice in pace, path and …


Using A Language And Literacy Intervention To Increase Autistic Students' Social Interactions With Peers, Ellyn Goerdt Aug 2017

Using A Language And Literacy Intervention To Increase Autistic Students' Social Interactions With Peers, Ellyn Goerdt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the research looking at an intervention done with four preschool students with autism-like tendencies. Two of the students are on the autism spectrum and two students show autism-like tendencies and deficiencies. All four students struggled in social situations and play with their peers. The intervention provided for all four students was a checklist of skills needed to be successful in a social situation; group games, cooperative play and cleaning up. The article review discusses many supports provided and areas of need for young and adolescent students on the autism spectrum. The results of the intervention showed that …


Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin Aug 2017

Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Flexible seating has become a recent trend in education. As teachers try to reach the different needs of learners, flexible seating is another way to allow students to comfortably be engaged in learning. Flexible seating gives children the power to choose. Giving them the power of choice, gives students ownership over their participation and engagement in the classroom. Flexible seating can include a variety of options including scoop rockers, pillows, disc o’ sits, standing desks, therapy balls, and many more options. Some professionals are beginning to note that students are often more engaged in their learning when flexible seating options …


Phonemic Awareness Interventions And Their Effects On Fast Scores, Shari Lehnhoff Jul 2017

Phonemic Awareness Interventions And Their Effects On Fast Scores, Shari Lehnhoff

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of phonemic awareness interventions in the transitional kindergarten classroom and the results of the Early Literacy Implementation (FAST) scores. Technology-enriched phonemic awareness interventions were provided weekly over a period of two months. Data was collected through qualitative observations and quantitative FAST test scores. Analysis of the data collected suggests that the transitional kindergarten student’s FAST scores increased as the phonemic awareness intervention is implemented in the classroom.


Best Practice For Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction, Debra Wittrock May 2017

Best Practice For Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction, Debra Wittrock

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Handwriting is a significant component of literacy development in young children. It is a foundational skill that will influence students’ reading, writing, language use, and critical thinking. A review of the literature finds the following themes of high importance when presenting writing instruction in an early childhood classroom: automaticity of transcription skills through repeated practice, letter writing fluency before compositional fluency, writing as a critical step in overall literacy development, the role of explicit instruction as intervention for writing difficulties, and the lack of proper preservice training or professional development for teachers to integrate appropriate early writing practices into kindergarten …