Other Education 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 …

Library Transformation: The Futures School Experience Applied To Practice, Gloria F. Creed-Dikeogu

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Attendance as a member of the Plains Cohort at a three-day Futures Foundations in Natural Foresight Workshop taught by the Kedge Futures School (TFSX), provided the researcher with the opportunity to explore the theoretical ropes of library futurism alongside the natural foresight framework and the many futurist tools, like futures wheels and scenario building, that are so vital when participating in library futures strategic planning. This paper explains trend patterns and analyses and the importance of sensemaking to futures scenarios creation and how each connects to library transformation.

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.

Education And Entertainment: Developing New Pathways To Student Engagement Through Library Services And Student Life Partnerships, Ruth A. Monnier, Mary Mercer, Anna Stark

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The COVID-19 pandemic caused higher ed professionals to pivot how they engage students in programs and events. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Pittsburg State University’s Student Life and Library Services created a series of virtual trivia nights. This paper will use the virtual trivia series as a case study to demonstrate the beneficial partnership between Student Life and Library Services at Pittsburg State University. This paper will highlight successes and suggestions on bridging the gap and replicating such a partnership at your institution.

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.

Affordable Digital Signage With Raspberry Pi, H. Andrew Tincknell

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

Digital Signage is a great way to inform library users about programs, events, services, and other library news. Unfortunately, digital signage can be difficult to implement and come with pricey monthly charges. When looking for ways to implement versatile digital signage, Fort Hays State University’s Forsyth Library and Learning Commons discovered an affordable and easy to manage solution - the Raspberry Pi. In this paper, you will discover what Raspberry Pis are and how to purchase and install them. You’ll also learn about several methods for creating messages.

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.

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.

A Tale Of Two Systems: One Library’S Experience Migrating To A New System And Back, Art Gutierrez

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The decision to migrate to a new library system is generally a long-term decision. The integrated library system, which some now call library platforms, impact many if not all facets of the library experience. Making a transition to a new system impacts all staff and our patrons on some level. In addition to the traditional services included in a library system we are increasingly seeing new services pop-up including electronic resource management systems, discovery layers, and program management systems, as part of the new library platforms. According to Marshall Breeding’s, Library Perceptions 2017 Survey, a little more than 28% of …

Effect Of Virtual Reality On Learning Motivation And Academic Performance: What Value May Vr Have For Library Instruction?, Brady D. Lund, Ting Wang

Kansas Library Association College and University Libraries Section Proceedings

The research on whether Virtual Reality (VR) has a positive effect on student learning and engagement is limited. This study aims to examine what impact VR has on student learning motivation and performance. The study conducted by Wang (2017) revealed that VR had a marginally positive impact on student scores and a strong impact on students’ learning engagement. It indicates that VR provides a small improvement in academic performance and a large improvement in student engagement. The application of VR in libraries focuses on providing the VR tools to learn subjects in STEM and history fields. For one-off instructional settings, …

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 …

Facilitating Collaboration Through A Co-Teaching Field Experience, Mark S. Montgomery, Adam Akerson

Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

This article describes an action research project in which two teacher educators implemented a co-teaching field experience with pre-service teacher candidates acting as co-teachers to facilitate collaboration among peers. The goal of the action research was to better meet the needs of pre-service teacher candidates and continually develop their ability to grow as reflective and collaborative future teaching educators. To increase collaboration, co-teaching models were implemented in an early field experience. Teaching activities and assignments provided opportunities for collaboration as co-teachers and as members of a teaching community. Data collection and observations indicate peer-to-peer co-teaching helped create a collaborative atmosphere …