Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Large Scale Quality Engineering In Distance Learning Programs, Rita "Rene" Herron, Cinda Holsombach-Ebner, Alice Shomate, Kimberly Szathmary

Publications

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide serves more than 36,000 online students across the globe, many of whom are military and other non-traditional students, offering 34 undergraduate, graduate, and professional education/workforce certificate programs, presented both online and via blended delivery modes. The centralized model of online course production and management produces and maintains more than 200 high quality turnkey-style courses, including several award winners. Faculty members in partnership with an instructional design production team design worldwide courses, working together to ensure course goals and learning objectives are achieved. The more than 800 geographically dispersed faculty members are monitored and coached throughout …

Disparities In Weather Education Across Professional Flight Baccalaureate Degree Programs, Thomas A. Guinn, Krista M. Rader, Thomas A. Guinn

Publications

The required meteorology coursework for 22 accredited professional flight baccalaureate degree programs was examined and compared. Significant differences were noted in both the number of required meteorology courses as well as the number of required meteorology credit hours. While all programs required at least one three-credit meteorology course, not all programs required an aviation-specific meteorology course. In addition to the required number of meteorology courses and credit hours, topics within the aviation-specific meteorology courses were also examined. The study showed the topics of “flight hazards” and “aviation weather reports and charts” were identified most frequently in course descriptions, followed third …

The Politics Of Physical Education Reform, Ari Zyskind

CMC Senior Theses

The purpose of the paper is to determine why today's youth are so physically inactive by examining the role and efforts of physical education, and the state and federal governments responsibility in supporting these programs, in fighting today's obesity epidemic by creating generations of healthy and physically active children. Research led to the determination that states have failed to maintain and improve physical education resulting in a physically inactive youth. Therefore, the nation should look to federal legislation to support state-led physical education, which this paper found to be constitutional if the enactments followed the provisions established in South Dakota …

Implementation Of A One-To-One Ipod Touch Program In A Middle School, Helen Crompton, Julie Keane

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study is to investigate the implementation of a whole school one-to-one iPod Touch project in a middle school in the southeastern United States. While some focused studies have been undertaken in this new field of learning, there has been little research to date that documents activity within a whole school implementation (Chen, Kao, & Sheu, 2003; Conti-Ramsden, Durkin, & Simkin, 2010). Using Rogers' (1963, 2003) theory of diffusion of innovation as a lens for this research, we gathered data from observations, focus groups, and interviews. Our findings indicated that teachers focused on internet-based research activities, formative …

Fifth Graders' Discussions Of Graphic Novels Facilitated By De Bono Thinking Skills, Kimberly Ann Jennings

Graduate Research Papers

The effectiveness of graphic novels, heavily illustrated novels and traditional novels as a reading teaching tool has not been heavily researched. During the 5th grade school year of the 2011-2012, 24 students were required to read six novels, two in each format. During and after the reading, students were required to complete assigned assessments. The results of the study were graded based on a rubric system and by the number of responses per novel. The graphic novel received the highest scores in all categories. The graphic novel should be considered as an alternate method of teaching reading to 5th graders.

Leadership Of Identified Gifted Compared To High-Potential Students Studying Iowa's Natural History, Katie E. Broeg

Graduate Research Papers

At one time, students were only considered gifted if they received a score of 140 or higher on an IQ test. Renowned gifted researcher, Joseph Renzulli, challenged this notion with his three-ring conception of giftedness; an interaction between above average ability, creativity, and task-commitment in areas of passion. Renzulli also promoted the development of leadership and social capital through Operation Houndstooth.

Today, the national definition for gifted children acknowledges academics, leadership, arts, and creative talents. Schools are beginning to expand their definitions and identification procedures to acknowledge students with creative talents and leadership abilities. How do these students compare when …

Supporting English Language Learners In Today's Early Childhood Classrooms, Katie Furlong

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to identify the kind(s) of early childhood instruction and learning environment that best supports students whose primary language is not English. The research examined focused on which teacher strategies used in the classroom improve academic achievement for English Language Learners (ELLs). In addition, the research compared the effects of dual language, or two-way immersion (TWI) and monolingual English immersion (El) early childhood education program models on children's learning. A variety of sources were used and synthesized to provide the reader with informational data and recommendations.

Effective Professional Development And Social Media Technologies' Potential For Enhancement, Jami J. Elliott

Graduate Research Papers

Effective professional development for technology integration in the classroom is essential. The purpose of this paper is to review literature regarding professional development models, identify essential elements for maximum effectiveness and examine social media technologies potential role. In this review, 32 journal articles and books written since 2000 are reviewed to identify essential elements for effective professional development, as well as social media technologies' potential in professional development. The results of this review could be used to design and implement effective professional development for integrating technology into elementary curriculum. Effectiveness of professional development can determine the level of student learning …

Implementing Electronic Storybooks And The Effects On Reading Achievement At The Elementary Level, Chelsey Heidemann

Graduate Research Papers

Electronic storybooks are an innovative way to support the reading needs of students today. This literature review discusses the positive and negative effects electronic storybooks have on students' reading abilities. It focuses specifically on word accuracy, word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Examples and information were taken from published journal a1ticles found through online databases and books. The review concludes that electronic storybooks can have a positive effect on a student's reading ability when using an electronic storybook that meets the needs of the learner.

Digital Storytelling : Building 21st Century Literacy Skills In The Secondary Classroom, William P. Lammers

Graduate Research Papers

Digital storytelling has been a popular activity in technologically well-equipped classrooms, and is gaining popularity due to its ability to help build important 21st century skills for learners and engaging lessons for instructors. This paper reviewed twenty peer-evaluated investigations from 2001 to 2010, citing five original qualitative case studies, twelve research-based papers regarding digital narratives and the skills needed for the 21st century learner. Included in this review is a definition of digital storytelling via a detailed model, an explanation of the 21st century literacies, obstacles to integrating digital narratives, and discussion of related communication skills. Recommendations were made based …

The Role Of The School Principal In Technology Integration : A Literature Review, Lance Lennon

Graduate Research Papers

The effective integration of technology into a school's curriculum is strongly influenced by the role played by a school principal. This literature review aims to examine a principal as a school leader, a principal as a technology leader, and specifically what a principal needs to be an effective leader of technology integration. This paper reviews peer-reviewed journal articles, research studies, and doctoral theses focused on the role of a principal in technology integration. Research indicates principals and other school leaders are crucial to the success of school initiatives, and that administrators need more training opportunities to have the positive impact …

Effective In-Service Professional Development For Child Care Providers, Tina Mccullough

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to identify key components of effective in-service professional development (PD) that would provide high quality training for child care providers. This review will look specifically at in-service PD for child care providers, not pre-service PD. Pre-service PD can imply the acquisition of an education-related degree, whereas in-service PD comprises a series of specific trainings for growth and development of Early Care and Education (ECE) providers. In-service PD does play an important function for ECE providers. The research examined for this review focuses on a variety of methodologies and approaches to in-service professional development trainings …

Using Positive Behavior Instructional Support (Pbis) In Early Childhood, Megan Merkel

Graduate Research Papers

Challenging behaviors in early childhood education are becoming recognized as a serious barrier to social-emotional development and an indication of severe maladjustment in school and adult life. Educational professionals have been seeking to define, elaborate, and improve on existing knowledge related to the prevention and resolution of young children's challenging behaviors. The current literature review was conducted to describe the relationship between children's challenging behavior and implementing Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) in early childhood classrooms and programs. In addition, this review presents conclusions, recommendations, suggested educational policies, and needed future research.

Differentiated Instruction : Learning Profiles, Assessment, And Professional Development, Sharon Kay Meyer

Graduate Research Papers

Differentiated instruction, in which a teacher recognizes and seeks to accommodate each student's method of learning (a learning profile), optimizes the classroom experience for all students (Tomlinson, 1999). Though differentiated instruction can be an excellent strategy to manage the diverse learning culture of the contemporary classroom, many educators have concerns about it, This literature review examines the following questions: 1. What is the role of learning profiles in a differentiated instruction classroom? 2. What is the role of assessment in a differentiated instruction classroom? 3. What should be the content and processes of a professional development program for the implementation …

Using Social Technology In Professional Development: A Literature Review, Catherine M. Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Due to unprecedented pressure to improve teaching practices and student achievement, professional development has become the focus of much scrutiny. This paper reviews twenty-six peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss the effects of integrating social technologies in professional development activities. The review examines the traits of effective professional development, the ways social technologies are being incorporated into professional development, the impact of this integration, and what problems may arise using social technology. Final discussions indicate that social technologies have great potential to encourage collaboration and professional growth. Further research is needed, however, to determine if using social technologies in professional development …

Peer Coaching In Early Childhood, Michelle Silvera

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have reached a consensus that early childhood educators should have sufficient knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education issues. This is because the quality and success of programs designed for early childhood education lie in the qualifications of the teacher in charge of such programs. These requirements are especially true for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the early childhood educators to provide the children and their families with rich and meaningful educational experiences because they are often held accountable for the outcome of the children. This literature review demonstrates that one way …

The Role Of Teacher Belief Systems In Technology Integration, Joni M. Walvatne

Graduate Research Papers

The belief systems of teachers are strongly correlated to their planning, instructional decisions, and classroom practices concerning technology integration. This literature review examines common teacher beliefs, teacher goals and knowledge, and teacher support and barriers regarding technology integration into 21st century classrooms. The characteristics of teacher beliefs analyzed in this review include existential presumption, alternative situations, affective and evaluative loading, and episodic structure. This paper reviews peer-reviewed journal articles, published since 1992, that discuss the role of teacher belief systems in technology integration. Research indicates teachers face barriers and need additional knowledge and skills that build on, and intersect with, …

Using Serious Games In An Educational Setting, Angela Webb

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examines the use of digital games also known as serious games in a school setting to determine the benefits of games on preparing students for using 21st century skills. Studies on using serious games from the last 12 years were analyzed and evaluated. The review explores different genres of serious games. It examines benefits of serious games including social interaction, collaboration, and complex thinking skills, as well as their disadvantages The review also identifies game characteristics that support best practices in education. Serious games are a vital tool to teach students many skills needed for the future.

Teachers' Perceptions Of Skills Needed For Children's Entry Into Kindergarten, Jessica Blohm

Graduate Research Papers

Kindergarten readiness is an ever-increasing topic in the field of early education among educators. Research has indicated that children learn better if parents, preschool and kindergarten teachers' expectations are aligned. The purpose of this project is to understand local preschool and kindergarten teachers' perceptions of skills needed for children's entry into kindergarten. Teachers from two school districts and local preschools and daycares will be surveyed using the local Head Start Kindergarten Readiness Goals. Information gained will potentially lead to modifications in curriculum and learning goals for children, aid in professional development practices for teachers, and better prepare children in the …

Framing In Cognitive Clinical Interviews About Intuitive Science Knowledge: Dynamic Student Understandings Of The Discourse Interaction, Rosemary S. Russ, Victor R. Lee, Bruce L. Sherin

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Researchers in the science education community make extensive use of cognitive clinical interviews as windows into student knowledge and thinking. Despite our familiarity with the interviews, there has been very limited research addressing the ways that students understand these interactions. In this work we examine students’ behaviors and speech patterns in a set of clinical interviews about chemistry for evidence of their tacit understandings and underlying expectations about the activity in which they are engaged. We draw on the construct of framing from anthropology and sociolinguistics and identify clusters of behaviors that indicate that students may alternatively frame the interview …