Professional Growth Of Special Education Personnel Through The Use Of A Collaborative Process.,
2010
East Tennessee State University
Professional Growth Of Special Education Personnel Through The Use Of A Collaborative Process., Stephanie Smith Walker
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative case study examined how special educators perceived their professional growth as a result of engagement in a collaborative process. Sixteen special educators participated in the research. Triangulation was attained through the use of document review, a focus group, and personal interviews. The 15 themes and patterns that emerged from data collection were: (a) increased expertise and use of technology, (b) exhibited collaborative skills and improved interpersonal relationships, (c) developed increased understanding of curriculum, (d) presented evidence of increased job satisfaction, (e) demonstrated analytical abilities, (f) illustrated enhancement in professional and creative expression, (g) understood the special education supervisor‟s …
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching,
2010
Rowan University
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching, Mallory Heimlich
Theses and Dissertations
With instructional time being interrupted by both in and out-of-class disturbances, research shows that approximately 30% of instructional day is wasted. Students are more likely to be unengaged and off-task when the teacher is interrupted than at other times and most classroom interruptions are initiated by the students themselves. The goal of this study was to decrease student interruptions and transition time by implementing a nonverbal signal system as a component of the classroom management plan. Student interruptions were tallied and student transitions were timed during social studies and science in a fourth grade classroom. Reflections of the study were …
A Challenging And Rewarding Process: Implementing Critical Literacy Instruction In A Middle School Classroom,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
A Challenging And Rewarding Process: Implementing Critical Literacy Instruction In A Middle School Classroom, Amy Michelle Geilman
Theses and Dissertations
This action research study focuses on a teacher's experiences while implementing critical literacy instruction in a seventh grade language arts class. Throughout the unit, a tension between teacher control and student autonomy emerged in three areas: discussion (teacher-directed and student-directed), curriculum (teacher choices and student choices), and student text comprehension (surface and critical). Finding the balance between teacher control and student autonomy was difficult. When these two elements were not balanced, the classroom experience for everyone was mediocre. When they were balanced correctly the entire classroom community had positive experiences that advanced student learning. Critical literacy instruction, though difficult to …
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing,
2010
Rowan University
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing, Kerri Colletto
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine how students' attitudes towards writing are affected when authentic writing activities are implemented into the traditional writing curriculum. The students kept Lifebooks for a period of three weeks and there was an emphasis placed on writing that was personal and meaningful. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as my teacher research journal, student surveys, individual interviews, discussion groups and student work were used to collect data. Sorting and categorizing data within and between data sources revealed that the freedom to choose a topic affects what is written, that having a personal connection affects …
Adolescent Literate Identity Online: Individuals And The Discourse Of A Class Wiki,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Adolescent Literate Identity Online: Individuals And The Discourse Of A Class Wiki, Amanda J. Mccollum
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine students' representations of their literate identities in what Gee (2008) calls Discourse that developed among 105 high school students— 103 10th-grade and two 11th-grade students—using a wiki for class work, collaboration, and social interaction. The theoretical frame for the present study was drawn from of four bodies of literature. Through a reciprocal process of positioning self and others (van Langenhove & Harré, 1999), individuals come to form and display their literate identity (Heath, 1991) within a community of practice (Wenger, 1998). Their interactions reflect norms, values, and accepted ways of being within …
Assessing The Relationship Between Student Involvement And Academic Performance In Higher Education,
2010
Western Kentucky University
Assessing The Relationship Between Student Involvement And Academic Performance In Higher Education, Azurdee M. Garland
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The study examined the relationship between the degree of involvement in co-curricular activities and academic performance, as measured by Grade Point Average (GPA) among college students enrolled at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Three hundred thirty-six sophomores were surveyed via TOPNET, an electronic registration management system, regarding their level of involvement in campus organizations and other factors, including employment status and gender. The cumulative GPAs and the number of credit hours in which the survey participants were enrolled during Fall Semester 2005 were obtained through a survey using TOPNET. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed statistically significant relationships between GPA and the number …
An Examination Of Reading Assignments In The Secondary Classroom,
2010
Western Kentucky University
An Examination Of Reading Assignments In The Secondary Classroom, Rachel Elizabeth Leer
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of this research study is to examine reading assignments given in the secondary classroom of a rural secondary school. The intention is to analyze student readiness to handle complex text found in post-secondary education and/or the workforce, based on current reading trends within the school. The research questions guiding this study focus on the average amount of reading students are expected to complete in a week, what strategic support is being provided to students to enhance comprehension of text, the methodology behind how teachers select both reading assignments and reading strategies, and finally the methodology behind how teachers …
Fall 2010 E-Certi Newsletter,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Fall 2010 E-Certi Newsletter, Center For Educational Research And Teaching Innovation
CAFE Faculty Newsletters
Welcome back, S&T faculty, to a new semester and the second edition of the e-CERTI newsletter. In this issue, you can read about Bill Daughton, who converted a traditional course into a fully online format, the topic for this semester’s curators’ teaching professors summit, and some outstanding faculty from S&T. Here’s to a great Fall semester!
Administrators' Perspectives Of Parent Involvement In South Carolina Elementary Schools,
2010
Clemson University
Administrators' Perspectives Of Parent Involvement In South Carolina Elementary Schools, Paula Schubert
All Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine administrators' perspectives regarding parent involvement within the context of six typologies of parent involvement. A survey was sent to elementary principals in the state of South Carolina, which resulted in an overall response rate of 210 respondents. This study, which was exploratory in nature, utilized a logistic regression model with quantitative descriptive statistical analysis to understand the perceptions of administrators. The three research questions examined were: (A) what do South Carolina principals report are the parent involvement activities they implement in public elementary schools? (B) to what extent do these parent involvement …
Pre-Service Elementary Science Teaching Self-Efficacy And Teaching Practices: A Mixed-Methods, Dual-Phase, Embedded Case Study,
2010
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Pre-Service Elementary Science Teaching Self-Efficacy And Teaching Practices: A Mixed-Methods, Dual-Phase, Embedded Case Study, Cheryl Ramirez Sangueza
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This mixed-method, dual-phase, embedded-case study employed the Social Cognitive Theory and the construct of self-efficacy to examine the contributors to science teaching self-efficacy and science teaching practices across different levels of efficacy in six pre-service elementary teachers during their science methods course and student teaching experiences. Data sources included the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI-B) for pre-service teachers, questionnaires, journals, reflections, student teaching lesson observations, and lesson debriefing notes. Results from the STEBI-B show that all participants measured an increase in efficacy throughout the study. The ANOVA analysis of the STEBI-B revealed a statistically significant increase in level of …
Applying Critical And Creative Thinking In Teaching Buddhism,
2010
University of Massachusetts Boston
Applying Critical And Creative Thinking In Teaching Buddhism, Doan Van Thua
Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection
This synthesis describes my journey preparing myself for teaching Buddhism in a way that moves beyond traditional approaches of transmitting information to students. I describe learning, teaching activities, tools, and methodologies using critical and creative thinking that can be applicable to Buddhist education. I describe some changes towards more interactive modes of teaching and progress in teaching I have made so far in my teaching Sunday school for children, in public teaching, and in giving instruction to Buddhist groups. Some further expectations and some defects in my teaching that need improvement are noted. A Buddhist is not a blind follower, …
Postsecondary Education Of Students With Disabilities: Review Of Faculty And Of Students With Disabilities Perceptions For Training,
2010
University of Southern Mississippi
Postsecondary Education Of Students With Disabilities: Review Of Faculty And Of Students With Disabilities Perceptions For Training, Jerry René Alliston
Dissertations
The percentage of students with disabilities who are pursuing post-secondary education has consistently increased over the past few decades. To meet all legal requirements, postsecondary institutions have established disability support services for students with disabilities. One notable responsibility given to postsecondary disability support service staff was the training of faculty on various issues related to disability in general. The focus of this study was to determine the perceived issues of faculty to students and students to faculty, in a two-campus university system in the southeastern United States, in working with students with disabilities in postsecondary education on the six theme …
Criterion-Referenced Assessment Literacy Of Educators,
2010
University of Southern Mississippi
Criterion-Referenced Assessment Literacy Of Educators, James David King
Dissertations
This study investigated the assessment literacy of educators in regard to criterion-referenced tests. For the purpose of this study, administrators included principals and assistant principals within a school. First, the study determined the degree of training in measurement, assessment, and statistics that educators have received. Second, the study investigated the assessment knowledge of educators based on their performance on the Criterion-Referenced Questionnaire. Third, the study investigated if years experience, type of certification, or highest degree held had a significant difference on their performance on the Criterion-Referenced Questionnaire. Fourth, the study investigated educators’ attitudes toward the use of measurement, assessment, and …
Pre-Service Teacher Training Experiences Viewed As A Cultural Activity,
2010
Clemson University
Pre-Service Teacher Training Experiences Viewed As A Cultural Activity, Ronald Knorr
All Dissertations
What are the experiences of career-changing pre-service middle school teachers undergoing a group-based activity as part of their training? This series of studies explored two aspects of answering this question. In the first manuscript, a methodology of a novel virtual phenomenology interview technique attempts to determine the influence of a virtual world interviewer compared to a traditional face-to-face setting. While syntactical and other significant differences were found, there was no significant difference found comparing meaning units derived from both settings. In the second manuscript, these meaning units were analyzed to create an essence of the experience for the study's participants, …
Through The Eyes Of Student Teachers: Successes And Challenges In Field Teaching Experiences,
2010
Illinois Wesleyan University
Through The Eyes Of Student Teachers: Successes And Challenges In Field Teaching Experiences, Tyler Ferber, Leah Nillas
Scholarly Publications
“The most important aspect in the learning to teach process is the field experience, i.e., the opportunity to stand face to face with the challenges and demands of the teaching profession” (Caires & Almeida, 2007). This study presents the successes and challenges encountered by preservice teachers while conducting a semester long student teaching experience. This is a qualitative study with data collected using anonymous questionnaires and case-study interviews involving elementary and secondary preservice teachers. Challenges regarding classroom management, cooperating teacher interactions, and university demands emerged from the questionnaire and interview data. The interview data revealed a more in-depth perspective of …
Trends In Tenure For Clinical M.D. Faculty In U.S. Medical Schools: A 25-Year Review,
2010
Portland State University
Trends In Tenure For Clinical M.D. Faculty In U.S. Medical Schools: A 25-Year Review, Sarah A. Bunton, April Corrice
Educational Leadership and Policy Faculty Publications and Presentations
The number of faculty in academic medical centers, and clinical enterprises in particular, has expanded profoundly over the past several decades. During this expansion, the prevalence of tenure systems and the actual numbers and proportions of tenured positions in U.S. medical schools have garnered much attention. Some commentators have remarked that tenure, as a system, is vanishing from schools and that the opportunity for tenure-track appointments is declining, especially for clinical faculty. This Analysis in Brief presents data on the current status of tenure systems, the changing distribution of clinical M.D. faculty on tenure-eligible tracks, and trends in numbers of …
The Stories Of Three High School English Teachers Involved In A Collaborative Study Group,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
The Stories Of Three High School English Teachers Involved In A Collaborative Study Group, Marjoire Ralph
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this action research study was to observe, participate in, and tell the story of teachers involved in a professional development experience. Professional development is an important tool to assist teachers in improving their teaching abilities. After a review of the literature on various forms of professional development and some personal experience with a variety of professional development activities, I created a collaborative study group (CSG) that included three teachers. Their work together was studied using a narrative approach to action research. The stories of these three teachers and their experiences with an informal professional development activity are …
The Nature Of Transfer From The Concepts And Vocabulary Taught In A Character Education Unit To Students Classroom Discourse,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
The Nature Of Transfer From The Concepts And Vocabulary Taught In A Character Education Unit To Students Classroom Discourse, Marianne E. Gill
Theses and Dissertations
This action research study was conducted to inform my teaching practices on character education. The purpose of this study was to better understand the nature of transfer from the concepts of character taught in lessons to students' classroom discourse. Data were systematically collected from student comments, class meetings, and student reflection journals during a 13-week character education unit. Their discourse was coded and analyzed for evidence of transfer through an iterative process that allowed for ongoing comparison of the data. Evidence of transfer was identified only once prior to the eleventh week of the study. However,during the eleventh week, evidence …
Understanding The Tensions That Exist Between Two Co-Teachers Education Classroom Using Positioning,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Understanding The Tensions That Exist Between Two Co-Teachers Education Classroom Using Positioning, Garth Gagnier
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to explore the tensions that existed between my co-teaching partner and me while working together during the last four years. Additionally, I studied how my partner, the special educator, and I, the general educator, negotiated the tensions that came up during our collaboration. Using a narrative approach to share our stories about our teaching, I investigated how we worked together and contributed to our co-teaching relationship. I analyzed the stories and storylines that we shared using a theoretical lens called positioning. Positioning theory looks at how people interact with each other and the positions …
Identifying Social Studies Content Embedded Inelementary Basal Readers,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Identifying Social Studies Content Embedded Inelementary Basal Readers, Wendy Taylor Workman
Theses and Dissertations
In the current educational climate of federally mandated assessments of student learning, the survival of the elementary social studies curriculum may depend on interdisciplinary instructional methods to link social studies to the accountability-favored discipline of literacy. The purpose of this content analysis study was to examine and identify social studies content embedded within a second grade and a fifth grade basal reader from the 2008 Houghton Mifflin Reading Series. Each of the basals were read and coded using the Utah State Office of Education Social Studies Standards indicators and the National Council for the Social Studies Standards as a priori …
