Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

An Account Of Novice Phylogenetic Tree Construction From The Problem-Solving Research Tradition, Terrance E. Brisbin

Dissertations

Both the content and strategic knowledge used in phylogenetic tree construction are described to account for novice performance. A review of the literature is used to place this research with respect to studies in: problem solving studies (both expert, and novice), the history and practice of evolutionary systematics, and the teaching of evolution. The computer-based problem-solving environment is discussed along with model problems used for the research.

Each of the five research problems consists of an encoded matrix containing phylogenetic data organized by taxa and characters. Twelve participants (high school students) volunteered to solve the research problems, on their own …

The Impact Of Varying Teaching Style Techniques To Better Match Learning Styles In The Science Classroom, Karen M. Santoro

Theses and Dissertations

This paper will address the correlation between student learning styles and the mode of delivery employed for instruction, and the outcome: student test scores.

By integrating a learning style assessment with a teaching style assessment the researcher challenges the belief that science needs to be taught in a systematic, methodical fashion and varying teaching style will result in significantly higher test scores. The test scores of a class taught with traditional science teaching delivery (lecture style) and the test scores of a class taught with various teaching styles were then compared.

The method employed involved using a learning style survey …

The Benefits Of Observational Learning On The Mathematics Achievement Of Fourth Grade Students Involved In Peer Tutoring Sessions, Trisha R. Parish

Masters Theses

Many students struggle with mathematical concepts and operations. This leads educators to search for the most effective and efficient means of improving their academic performance. The present investigation sought to determine if a triadic peer-tutoring program would increase the acquisition of basic multiplication facts for fourth grade students. Secondly, this investigation assessed the extent to which students would benefit from observational learning opportunities within the peer tutoring sessions. A multiple baseline design across two peer-tutoring triads was utilized with student performance being assessed by measuring responses to flashcard presentations and completion of three types of mathematics probes. The first type …

An Investigation Into Relationships Between Alternative Assessment And Pre-Service Elementary Teachers’ Beliefs About Mathematics, David Charles Coffey

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how including alternative assessments in a reform-based mathematics course affects pre-service teachers’ mathematical beliefs. A single section of a mathematics course designed for elementary education majors that employed three different alternative assessments was the setting for the study.

A pre- and post-belief survey completed by students enrolled in the section under study represented the first level of data collection and analysis. The results of the pre-belief survey guided the selection of seven informants from the section and provided belief statements for the informants to verify during subsequent interviews. Based on the data …

Computers In The Classroom – Do They Really Make A Difference In Student Learning?, Colleen Fitzgerald

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if the utilization of computers in the classroom would increase student learning. The participants were eighty-two seventh grade students from Demarest Middle School in Demarest, New Jersey. The students were organized into four heterogeneously mixed classes. The study was conducted over approximately two weeks. All students received introductory instruction on amphibians and frog anatomy and physiology. Two classes then completed the traditional specimen dissection, while the other two classes completed a computer-simulated dissection. The classes then switched and performed the alternative dissection procedure. Their performance was measured by the results on the …

The Effect Of A Student Assessment Instrument In The Performance Of Basic Skills Mathematics Students At The Community College Level, Matthew Flacche

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to see if implementation of a self-assessing instrument improved students' test scores when compared to no mid-unit assessment at all. The experiment involved basic skills mathematics students from Camden County College in Blackwood, New Jersey. Two Math Skills III (Elementary Algebra) classes, containing a total of 39 students, were included in the study. Both sections of students completed pretests. The students in both classes received similar instruction, however one class (the treatment group) received three weeks of instruction, completed and graded Student Assessment Instruments (SAI's) approximately every other class (during the instruction), and took a unit …

Impact Of The Implementation Of The New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards On Time Allocation For Elementary Mathematics Instruction, Angela Napoliello-Ivory

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for mathematics instruction three years after their approval by the State Board of Education. A survey methodology was used. The survey was mailed to the New Jersey school districts that include an elementary school. In addition to demographic information, the districts were asked how much time is allocated to mathematics instruction daily. The districts were also asked how much time is spent in direct instruction, in seatwork, and in problem solving each day, and has there been a change over the last …

A Survey Comparing Attitudes Towards Mathematics Of Students In The Interactive Mathematics Program, Anne Marie Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether significant differences existed between the attitudes of students enrolled in the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) and students enrolled in traditional courses towards mathematics.

The population used for this study was comprised of approximately one hundred students from three IMP classes and students from three college preparatory geometry classes at Pennsauken High School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. A survey was designed to obtain information about students' attitudes toward mathematics. Survey questions were designed to measure their enjoyment of mathematics and their perceived value of mathematics. One-sample and two-sample t-tests were performed to …

The Impact Of The Interdisciplinary Mathematics And Science Program On Students' Attitudes At Oakcrest High School, Norma J. Boakes

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on students' attitudes of an interdisciplinary program at a rural high school in southern New Jersey.

The interdisciplinary mathematics and science program of Oakcrest High School that began in 1998 involved teaming a non-college prep ninth grade mathematics course with the same level general science course. A group of 30 students who had participated in this program were selected; then a Likert-style 22 question attitude survey was developed and implemented to determine the impact the program had on students' attitudes. An analysis of the survey included a one-sample t-test on …

A Comparison Of Reading Comprehension And Problem Solving Abilities, Darren A. Cooper

All Graduate Projects

Recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Requirements are addressed. Reading comprehension and problem solving skills of 9th grade students at Zillah High School are compared to see if a correlation between these two abilities exists. Recommendations for creating and implementing a curriculum are given.

Educational Math Games For First Grade, Shelly Christine Harberts

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project is to create appropriate educational math games for first grade. Thirty-six new games were generated to replace the math games used in the Everyday Math curriculum used in my classroom. The games were taught to twenty first graders. The results showed that using mathematical games relating to the concepts being taught, helped students better understand and master the concepts.

Integrating Writing To Enhance Mathematical Skills At The Elementary Level, Kendra J. Kupp

All Graduate Projects

The recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and writing are studied. Integrated activities and materials for a first and second grade mathematics curriculum are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …

Comprehension Strategy Lesson Plans For Third Grade Teachers Incorporating Informational Science Trade Books, Trinidad M. Rivera

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a set of lesson plans for teachers useful in teaching comprehension strategies to monolingual third grade students. Research on comprehension strategies and the effects they have on children's reading comprehension was explored. Effective comprehension strategies were defined. Lesson plans were created to aid educators as they teach comprehension of informational material to third grade students.

Real World Mathematics Skills Within The Elementary Resource Classroom, Stacy Schilperoort

All Graduate Projects

A project, including activities, to assist elementary special education teachers in incorporating real world mathematics skills within their own resource classrooms was developed. A literature review of current research on the topic of real world math skills in schools around the country is also included as part of this project. The literature indicates that students with learning disabilities might benefit and become better prepared for the future as adult citizens by receiving an education that includes math activities that relate to the real world outside the classroom walls.

Going Beyong The Third Grade Science Kit: An Integrated Thematic Approach, Michele D. Wiederspohn

All Graduate Projects

A project has been developed to aid in the design of a third grade science program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing third grade science curriculum. The project has been organized into fourteen lesson plans. Each lesson plan includes an overview of the lesson, student learning objectives matched to the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, activities, a list of required materials, an outline of instruction, and the name of a trade book to compliment the lesson. Current literature and research regarding the topic of integrated curriculum were explored.

Out-Of-Field Teaching By High School Science Teachers In The Wenatchee Valley, Warren Gregson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to heighten the awareness and draw attention to the level of out-of-field teachiug by high school science teachers in the Wenatchee Valley. This study was compared to the national average of out-of-field teachiug of science. High school science teachers from four school districts in the Wenatchee Valley were surveyed to determine the level of out-of-field teachiug. The results showed an increase in out-offield teachiug in the Wenatchee Valley compared to the national average. Recommendations were given to inform prospective science teachers about the necessary level of education needed to better prepare themselves for out-of-field …

Integrating Internet Technology To Support Fraction Instruction In The Elementary Classroon, Melonie Ann Jacksin

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Writing In The Mathematics Classroom, Ryan C. Ghere

Masters Theses

This paper explores the benefits of using writing as a tool for teaching mathematics. It is a summary of literature intended to help educators implement a writing plan of their own. Part one is a summary of the purpose, benefits, and types of mathematics writing. Writing in mathematics opens the lines of communication in the classroom, helps in assessment, and allows for the use of interdisciplinary units. Writing in mathematics benefits students, teachers, and the classroom learning atmosphere as a whole. Teachers can use informal writing assignments so that students express their opinions, or assign formal writing to provide students …

Equity In Mathematics: Algebra For Everyone, Regina Lynn Hervey

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Research over the past twenty years supports the teacher as the critical factor in the implementation of educational programs. The primary purpose of this mixed design study was to determine teachers' perceptions in implementing the required Algebra I program that was mandated by the state of Virginia in 1995. The research was examined through the lens of the recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): communicating mathematically, making mathematical connections, becoming mathematical problem solvers, and reasoning mathematically. This study was limited to ninth grade Algebra I teachers in a school division in Virginia. Two Concerns Based Adoption …

The Effect Of In-Class Support On Mathematics Performance Of Classified And Non-Classified High School Students, Lorraine Schlarman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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