Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Daily 5 Implementation To Improve Ell Students’ Performances, Phu Vu, Lan Vu

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This paper focuses on an action research project that integrated the "Daily 5" literacy framework into a fourth-grade classroom in a small rural town in Kansas. The study aimed to enhance the literacy skills of English Language Learners (ELL) using the Daily 5 method, which includes five key activities: Read to Self, Work on Writing, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, and Word Work. The research involved a six-week intervention and used student performance data, including daily assignment scores and oral reading fluency, to assess the impact of this framework on ELL students. The findings indicated significant improvements in students' …

To Choose Or Not To Choose: Establishing A Correlation Between Choice, Collaboration, And Classroom Engagement, Krisandra Johnson

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Not all 8th-grade students have an outspoken passion for reading; however, most of them do like choices. This action research study establishes a correlation between offering choices in the English Language Arts classroom and increased affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement. The participants for this research were an 8th-grade class at a Midwest, urban public school. Providing students with reading choices, assignment options, opportunities to collaborate with peers, and multiple assessment forms to choose from demonstrated an increase of not only effective engagement but also cognitive and behavioral. From observations and student data, collaboration, the researcher determines that collaboration is a …

Advancing Educators Towards Social Justice Through Policy Analysis, Courtney J. Hoffhines, Susan Yelich Biniecki

The Advocate

Both pre-service and practicing educators are entering classrooms with limited preparation for the social landscape, affecting a range of professional considerations such as educational equity, culturally responsive teaching, and effective assessment. In an effort to consider greater impact and meaningful development of teachers for social justice concepts, this study is aimed directly at K-2 Kansas classrooms. A review of KSDE policies, utilizing a critical policy discourse analysis, allowed for the consideration of plausible responses for educational change regarding the advancement of educators for social justice. This research demonstrates the opportunity that exists within policy to create greater awareness for social …

Never Going Back: Lessons To Carry Forward In Online Instruction, Howard Pitler, Amanda Lickteig, Seth Lickteig

The Advocate

Research has long demonstrated that students thrive best in an online learning community when some basic tenants are followed. These tenants include establishing a peer community, module supports, studying while balancing life commitments, confidence, and the approach to learning (Farrell & Brunton, 2020; Kahn, Egbue, Palkie, & Madden, 2017; Dixson, 2010). Cultivating active engagement in online communities is a purposeful and deliberate practice that requires educators to bring together an assortment of innovative instructional techniques to foster the establishment of Communities of Practice (COP). Wenger, Trayner, and de Laat (2011) define a CoP as a “learning partnership among people who …

Teacher Inquiry: A Catalyst For Professional Development, Divonna Stebick, Jonathan Hart, Lauren Glick, Jaime Kindervatter, Jenna Nagel, Cathy Patrick

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Teachers seek and require meaningful professional development opportunities to truly grow in the profession. Teacher inquiry, or teacher research, is one way to accomplish professional development goals. Teacher inquiry is thought of as individualized, personalized, and meaningful professional development (Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 1999). In this paper we articulate the learning of a cohort of certificated professionals engaged in a year-long project that included asking research questions, designing data collection tools, and developing an independent study to examine their questions. Nine certificated professionals participated in the year-long project representing various grade levels and experiences. Data was collected through teacher reflections and …

Editorial Introduction: Better Together, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This issue of Network touches on both topics – the continued impact of COVID on teaching and learning and the importance of collaboration during educator inquiry projects. Adult learning theory, also known as andragogy (Knowles, 1980) is an approach to learning that is problem-based and collaborative. Each of the articles in this issue highlight the importance of educators guiding their own professional learning in collaboration with others.

Community Mapping 2.0: Using Technology To Raise Community Awareness, Chris Sclafani

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Community mapping can be an important tool for educators who aim to freely allow students to share their own connections and experiences. During community mapping, students identify areas within their own localities that matter to them, and engage in various literacy events centered on those places. Often, classes will study foreign lands and cultures during the course of a school year. While this is a wonderful learning opportunity, do they take the time to look deeper into their own personal neighborhoods and surroundings? This study uncovers the nuances of community mapping, as a group of third grade students work through …

Significant Relationships, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Putting Research Into “Action”: The Impact Of Brain Energizers On Off-Task Behaviors And Academic Achievement, Rebecca Buchanan, Lauren Davis, Trisha Cury

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

There are many factors influencing the learning environment in public school settings. As such, the recognition of developing a multidimensional approach incorporating a variety of “tools” for a teacher’s toolbox can prove to be very effective. Research indicates that movement is one such tool that can increase the capacity for students to learn (Ratey, 2008). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of brain energizers in a 1st grade classroom in rural Appalachia. Results of the study indicated that brain energizers had a positive effect on off-task behaviors as well as academic achievement. The incorporation of movement …

Editorial Introduction: To Stay Afloat, Maybe Collaborate?, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

We Are All In This Together: Teacher Preparation, Lesson Planning, And Aiding Classroom Teachers During An Emergency School Shutdown, Aaron Rife

The Advocate

This essay documents the attempt by a small group of student teachers in a secondary History/Government Education program to do something meaningful with their skills when buildings closed in early 2020 in a state of emergency and instruction was shifted to homes. Our solution was to create a digital classroom to share lessons and teaching materials for teachers to use as they grappled with distance learning.

Imagination At Work: A Book Review Of The Power Of Practice-Based Literacy Research: A Tool For Teachers, Catherine Lammert

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This is a book review of of The Power of Practice-Based Literacy Research: A Tool for Teachers.

Implementing Personal Devices In Math, Jamie W. Mcdaniel

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This study examined the effect of implementing personal devices into a fifth grade mathematics classroom. Thirty-eight fifth graders participated in this eight-week project with a focus on six students to track their growth. During the study, students engaged in technology based stations that pertained to our geometry unit and coordinate unit. Students took pre and post test on paper to track progress. In addition, students completed online assessments within their practice websites and apps to track comprehension and growth of the content. Furthermore, students were interviewed to ensure they were staying engaged in the online activities and to track student …

Sharing Stories: Reflections Of Professors’ Literacy Identities And Beliefs, Christy M. Howard, Ran Hu, Johna Faulconer

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Teacher identities and beliefs influence instructional practices. In order to explore this process, this self-study was conducted by three literacy professors from different ethnic backgrounds including one African-American professor, one Chinese national professor and one White professor. The purpose of this study was to examine how professors' literacy identities are shaped and how sharing these identities, experiences and beliefs in meaningful professional dialogues influences instructional practice. We examined the role of our identities and beliefs on our instructional practices using multiple forms of qualitative data such as journal entries, digital stories, and critical group discussions. Despite the range of differences …

Reclaiming And Redefining Research, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Action research, practitioner inquiry, self-study, scholarship of teaching and learning, or practice-based research – there are numerous names for this work. Yet, whether you are new to action research or a veteran of classroom inquiry, I hope this issue of Networks continues to inspires you to “reflect on classroom practice through research ventures… alone or in collaboration, use inquiry as a tool to learn more about your work with the hope of eventually improving its effectiveness” (from the mission statement of Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research).

The Power Of Workshop, Stephanie Nagl

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This action research explores the use of Readers’-Writers’ Workshop (RWW) in the secondary English classroom. RWW often requires a paradigm shift on the part of the teacher to allow for more student autonomy and limiting direct instruction time. The researcher sought to discover whether or not this model would impact the engagement level and the attitudes toward reading of high school seniors. Findings suggest RWW can be an effective tool for engaging students, as well as, helping students to develop positive attitudes with reading practices.

The Impact Of Family Engagement On Student Achievement, Christina M. Hall

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This action research study explores the impact of family engagement on student achievement using three family/student pairs. Family involvement has an impact on student learning and achievement throughout the school year. Taking a look at how a family’s involvement in their student’s learning plays a part on the achievement the student has throughout the school year. Previous writing scores were used to compare the growth made within a three-month period after the families worked with students to give feedback through a classroom communication app. Families were able to work at home to give feedback while their students were in class …

Spelling Interventions For Students Who Show Signs Of Dyslexia, Caitlin N. Gritz

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This action research examines the impact of spelling interventions for students who show signs of dyslexia. The action research also shows how using growth mindset can help students with characteristics typical of low self-esteem. Students learned a new spelling pattern weekly and a growth mindset lesson to teach students how to have a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset related to spelling skills. A pre-spelling inventory test and a post-spelling inventory test were compared to see that word study activities help students remember specific spelling patterns.

Self-Care Amongst First-Year Teachers, Leia Baker

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This paper explores a study completed with two first-year teachers over a three-month period while self-care strategies were suggested and practiced. The paper discusses the impact that practicing and not practicing self-care has on first-year teachers’ attitudes and attendance. It also includes firsthand accounts from journal entries completed by both first-year teachers.

Editorial Introduction: Classroom Research: Catalyzing Education Through Inquiry, Shantel Farnan, Victoria Seeger

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

No abstract provided.

Context Matters: Concepts Of School Engagement In The Context Of Geographic Isolation, Gary Andersen, Linda E. Feldstein

The Advocate

This case study research represents an attempt to gain a better understanding of conceptions of school engagement in a rural, isolated, agricultural mid-western community. Local school administrators, in collaboration with a regional university, chose to make student engagement the focus of deep inquiry in order to better address student concerns, improve teaching, and student outcomes (Association of Teacher Educators, 2007). Researchers interviewed students, teachers, and parents in a local high school, using an interview protocol specifically designed for each constituency. The study results point to a mostly behavioral, or compliance driven concept of engagement among all groups interviewed, but further …

The Power Of Please: How Courtesy Scripts Improve Self-Control And Reduce Peer Conflict By Creating New Language Patterns, Michael J. Haslip

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This teacher inquiry project describes how one first grade teacher learned to use coached language supports to improve children’s self-control and cooperation. Courtesy scripts were created in the process. The development of courtesy scripts and their application in early elementary classrooms is presented. Courtesy scripts are specific phrases explicitly taught (I do, we do, you do), reinforced, and used in conversations by both the speaker and listener. Children learned how to make requests while also honoring the needs of others. Use of these pragmatic language supports helped to create a peaceful classroom community. A practical method for teaching courteous language …

A Review Of The Reader Response Notebook: Teaching Toward Agency, Autonomy, And Accountability, Bobbie Kabuto

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This book review examines two overlapping narratives in Ted Kelser’s The Reader Response Notebook: Teaching toward Agency, Autonomy, and Accountability. The first narrative is the reflective professional journey of Ted Kesler, who began re-envisioning the possibilities of reader response notebooks while he was an elementary and middle school teacher in New York City Public Schools. The second narrative is that of the students who used reader response notebooks in their classrooms. This review concludes with the idea of how The Reader Response Notebook is a comprehensive, practical book for teachers. The Reader Response Notebook exemplifies how inquiry lead to …

Enhancing Student Learning In The Online Instructional Environment Through The Use Of Universal Design For Learning, Kathleen A. Boothe, Marla J. Lohmann, Ruby Owiny

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

As college faculty who prepare future teachers, we strive to teach our students through instruction and modeling best practices in teaching. We constantly evaluate our teaching and make adjustments to include updated knowledge about effective instruction. The evaluation and adjustments made to our courses lend themselves to action research. We take what we learn from our research and make appropriate changes to better meet the diverse needs of students. This article provides an overview of a final project that used Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for assessing student knowledge. This research focused on the principle of Multiple Means of Action …

A Systematic Multisensory Phonics Intervention For Older Struggling Readers: Action Research Study, Elizabeth Henry

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Upper elementary readers who persist with reading difficulties face both academic and emotional challenges when they do not make reading gains equal to their peers. Decades of research has shown that persistent treatment resisters respond positively to a systematic multisensory phonics intervention. In my action research study, I examined how 5th and 6th grade struggling readers responded to a multisensory phonics intervention. Following the eight-week intervention, students made gains in word reading accuracy and demonstrated increased confidence in word reading skills. Implications of the study bolster the importance of providing phonics instruction to older struggling readers.

Real-Life Nature-Based Experiences As Keys To The Writing Workshop, Margot Kinberg

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

For many years, research has supported the value of using real-life experiences as teaching opportunities (e.g. Noobanjong & Louhapensang, 2017; Powell, 2015). This is just as true of teaching writing as of anything else. In fact, when learners use writing (such as journaling) to share their experiences, they benefit in several ways, including their communication skills (e.g. Khanmohammad & Eilaghi, 2017).

Writing workshops have been shown to be effective approaches to coaching writing at several different levels (Williams, 2014). Such workshops provide the opportunity to reflect on drafts, collaborate with peers and work through the writing process. They are, therefore, …

Inquiries Into The Cognitive And Affective Domains Of Learning, Suzanne Porath

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

In this issue of Networks, we see educator-researchers inquire into the cognitive aspects of their students’ learning, but also explore the affective aspects of learning such as engagement, choice, and personal response.

Alternative Licensure Curriculum From Kansanscan Redesign Gemini Schools, Kevin L. Splichal

The Advocate

The purpose of this reflection paper is to encourage Educational Preparation Providers (EPPs) to partner with KansansCan Redesign Gemini schools to evaluate EPP curriculum through personal interviews with alternative licensure teachers in KansansCan Redesign schools. Curriculum, implemented by the EPP, should take into consideration the experiences of those for whom it is designed and tailor pedagogical instruction to better match current practices in Gemini redesign schools. Personal interviews with candidates will provide experience-based evidence for analysis and consideration by EPPs.

The Impact Of Math Vocabulary On Conceptual Understanding For Ells, Vanessa Valley

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of teaching daily math word problems in a 3rd-6th grade ELL classroom on math vocabulary use and math word problem and place value comprehension. This teacher research study used a pre and post word problem test graded on a 16 point scale and a frequency tally to track math vocabulary use. The results showed a small increase in word problem comprehension and a large increase in math vocabulary frequency. While math problems help some students’ math comprehension, the written format in English combined with the students’ lower English reading ACCESS …

The Benefits Of Providing Choice In Pre Service Teacher Education, Tami B. Morton, Agnes Stryker

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Traditionally, teacher educators provide structured lectures for their pre service teachers to impart knowledge of what will be encountered in the field once they begin teaching in schools. However, in this paper, two reading professors who are proponents of constructivist teaching, decide to provide choice in their seminars. Allowing choices provided an opportunity for students to encourage motivation, maximize performance, help increase independence and self-management skills and provide a feeling of control with their learning situation. Choices are evident in both informal and formal assignments throughout the semester. Pre service teachers who were able to share new knowledge in their …