Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Infusing Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) Into Science Methods Courses Across Virginia, K. R. Thomas, P. L. Horne, S. M. Donnelly, C. T. Berube

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article outlines the results of a collaborative study of the effects of infusing problem-based learning (PBL) into K-12 science methods courses across four universities in Virginia. Changes in pre-service teachers' attitudes surrounding science teaching were measured before and after completing a science methods course in which they experienced PBL first-hand as participants, and then practiced designing their own PBL units for use in their future classrooms. The results indicate that exposure to PBL enhances pre-service teachers' knowledge of inquiry methods and self-efficacy in teaching science.

Grappling With Issues Of Learning Science From Everyday Experiences: An Illustrative Case Study, A.-L. Tan, M. Kim, F. Talaue

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

There are different perceptions among researchers with regard to the infusion of everyday experience in the teaching of science: 1) it hinders the learning of science concepts; or, 2) it increases the participation and motivation of students in science learning. This article attempts to contemplate those different perspectives of everyday knowledge in science classrooms by using everyday contexts to teach grade 3 science in Singapore. In this study, two groups of grade 3 students were presented with a scenario that required them to apply the concept of properties of materials to design a shoe. Subsequently, the transcripts of classroom discussions …

A Lesson Plan With An Arc Midpoint, G. V. Akulov, O. G. Akulov

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The article introduces an explicit way of locating the arc midpoint in the Cartesian plane, which is consistent for both x- and y-coordinates and is technically accessible for students starting as young as fifteen. The authors give the proof of the statement using two trigonometry identities, and discuss some materials for innovative lessons on the arc midpoint computation that could enrich and enhance curriculum.

Building A Case For Mathematics Specialist Programs, D. Blount, J. Singleton

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Unlocking Undergraduate Problem Solving, D. Cline, K. Peterson

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

It is difficult to find good problems for undergraduates. In this article, we explore an interesting problem that can be used in virtually any mathematics course. We then offer natural generalizations, state and prove some related results, and ultimately end with several open problems suitable for undergraduate research. Finally, we attempt to shed some light on what makes a problem interesting.

Reform Teaching In Mathematics And Science Courses — A Follow-Up Evaluation, G. M. Bass Jr.

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Journal Of Mathematics And Science: Collaborative Explorations

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.

Exploring Mathematics Methods Courses And Impacts For Prospective Teachers, Signe Kastberg, Wendy B. Sanchez, Andrew Tyminski, Alyson Lischka, Woong Lim

Faculty Articles

This working group continues to develop a research program and scholarly inquiry focused on the study of mathematics teacher educators' (MTEs') practices and their impacts on preservice teachers (PSTs). The research agenda contains two strands of inquiry exploring (1) empirical links between PSTs’ development and MTEs’ practices and (2) variation in MTEs’ practices and the evolution of methods course activities over time. Participants will discuss and dissect (a) existing literature illuminating the impact of methods activities on PSTs’ development, (b) methods of documenting and exploring MTEs’ practices and (c) the next steps to be taken in the development of the …

Teachers' Perceptions And Satisfaction With Pbis In A Southeast Georgia School District, Deidra C. Martin

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In today’s educational system, an important concern is student behavior. Problem behaviors can affect students’ academic learning as well as teachers’ instructional time. Many programs and approaches are available to improve student behavior in schools. One school-wide program known as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is designed to help schools create and sustain effective behavioral supports for students. PBIS is a national framework schools can use to help them design and implement behavioral practices for students. It involves all the faculty, staff, and students in a school system. Teachers are important stakeholders in implementing PBIS. If they do not …

Measuring The Growth Of Science Teaching Efficacy Of Participants In The Inspire Program, Loren Thalacker

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this research project is to measure the growth of INSPRE participant's comfort in teaching scientific concepts, as measured through science teaching self-efficacy (as defined on page 6). It will also function to measure the effect of the program in general.

This research aligns with the goals of Iowa's Governor STEM Advisory Council by creating authentic opportunities for pre-service teachers to participate in and later utilize the experience to increase their students' interest and achievement in STEM (Governor's STEM Advisory Council, 2012). This project also aligns with goals of the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership by helping …

Inquiry, Efficacy, And Science Education, Heather Christa Scott

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Developing learners who are equipped to think critically about the vast information circulating around them is essential in their preparation for a role in society today. The use of effective inquiry-based instruction is not a widespread practice among K-12 classrooms. Many secondary and post-secondary science instructors see the valuable link between students asking questions and the development of critical thinking. Inquiry-based instruction provides student opportunities to ask questions, design methods of investigation, gather information, and finally reach conclusions based on evidence. However, this instruction style is rarely used in the classroom, particularly in elementary classrooms. This study examines the relationships …

A New Model: Improving Adult Experiences In The Holy Land With Effective Pre-Departure Information, Resources And Procedures, Sarah A. Loan

Capstone Collection

Since September 11, 2001, Group Travel Directors (GTD) has noted an increase in self-reported anxiety among adult travelers preparing to depart to the Holy Land. This observation has been made by long-term employees both objectively and subjectively by comparing evaluation scores, cancellation percentages, tracking numbers of phone calls from anxious travelers and through staff accounts of conversations with travelers. GTD staff reports that clients often are inclined to make rash decisions based on perfunctory judgments influenced by media coverage.

GTD has collected evaluations from adult travelers for more than twenty years in an effort to better understand traveler perceptions of …

Math Education At Its Prime?, Natalie Benet

Senior Honors Theses

Three main problems with current math education are negative mindsets toward math, the lagging comparison with advanced education in other countries, and ill-equipped teachers and school systems. The consequences of these problems have impacted math education by convincing students that they do not need to try at math, filling countless classrooms with ill-qualified teachers, and overall lowering the quality of U.S. math education compared to the education of rest of the world. In order to correct these problems and reverse the present and future consequences, the quality of math education must be increased. This can be done by changing the …

The Impact Of Transactional Strategies Instruction On The Reading Comprehension Of A Diverse Group Of Second Graders, Sunjoo Shawn Kim

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of TSI in teaching reading comprehension to a diverse group of second graders. The diversity included various levels of readiness in reading, language status such as English learners and native speakers of English, and various levels of participation by children in a whole-class setting. Part One of this study used teacher action research as its methodology to address reading comprehension and student autonomy. Part Two of this study used participatory action research, involving children as co-researchers, to investigate how second graders perceived Literature Circles as their reading comprehension instruction and …

Using Shared Leadership To Achieve School Improvement Goals: A Qualitative Study Of One High School's Journey, Leigh Putman

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the impact of shared leadership committees on school improvement efforts. The research identified which leadership factors lead to successful shared leadership committees and which supports and structures were needed for the committees to be meaningful in regards to school improvement. Certified staff who had been a part of the shared leadership committees at one high school in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia took part in the study. The participants were divided according to the committee on which they served and two were randomly selected two from each committee for participation in the study. All study …

The Moral Oppression Of The Teaching Profession: Learning To Transcend, Rebecca Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is both descriptive and philosophical, and at its core, it justifies the need for social foundations of education courses and programs in the university setting. It begins by analyzing the meaning of oppression and the part knowledge plays in confining the individual. The analysis then draws upon Patricia Hill Collins' theory of intersecting oppressions to get at the complexities and restrictions of working in the public schooling institution. It works through the ways in which sexist, classist, and racist practices afflict everyone in the institution through the bureaucratic mechanism and collateral oppression. The four components that make up …

Geol 440/840: Tectonics—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Inquiry Portfolio, Caroline M. Burberry

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This document is a follow-up document to the Benchmark Portfolio for this course, created in 2012. It details the changes made to the course following the observations from the Benchmark Portfolio and demonstrates that discussion of the metacognitive issues surrounding critical thinking does have some effect on increasing student learning. The document concludes with changes which will be made to the 2014 iteration of the class, to continue this inquiry and improvement process.

Hrtm 479: Perspectives On The Hospitality Industry (Capstone Course)—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Dipra Jha

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

This benchmark portfolio investigates teaching and learning in HRTM 479: Perspectives on the Hospitality Industry, a senior capstone course for Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism management majors, which integrates hospitality core and content courses into managerial and leadership practice within the hospitality, restaurant and tourism industry.

Muop 356/856: Intermediate/Advanced Opera Techniques—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Jamie M. Reimer

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

I began the investigation of this course and subsequent course portfolio with the following objectives in mind:

1. To solidify and articulate the skills I intend students enrolled in this course to achieve by the end of the semester;
2. To think creatively about the presentation of course material to most effectively engage and empower students' success; and
3. To assess the effectiveness of the course activities in achieving course goals stated in the syllabus.

I am also excited to explore the options available for different methods of content delivery in this course, particularly the application of recorded performance for assessment. In the …

Elec 2110: Elements Of Electrical Engineering—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Mahmoud Alahmad

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

I have been teaching this class for the last five years. As an introductory course to electrical engineering, there is a lot of material that needs to be covered. All the material is important and relevant, and I try to go in-depth in each topic area. This approach has resulted in overwhelming the students and made them struggle with the course content, application and utilization. As I consider this course for the peer review, I am evaluating the depth of each topic and the opportunity to adjust the approach and method used to introduce new concepts and at the same …