Digital Commons Network^™

Principal Instructional Leadership Behavior As Perceived By Middle School Principals In The Rio Grande Valley Of Texas, Joseph R. Villarreal

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine which of the 10 leadership functions contained in the PIMRS, as identified by Hallinger (1983), are demonstrated by principals in Rio Grande Valley middle schools that received Texas Education Agency distinctions for closing performing gaps, compared to those middle schools in the Rio Grande Valley that did not. The study aimed to determine if there was a significant difference been the principal instructional leadership behaviors at middle schools recognized for closing performance gaps compared to those that were not recognized. The results showed that there did not exist a significant difference between …

Exploring Student Perceptions Of Flipgrid In Online Courses, Patrick R. Lowenthal, Robert L. Moore

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Asynchronous video-based discussions have affordances that can address some of the constraints of asynchronous text-based discussions. However, little research has been conducted on the use of asynchronous video-based discussions in online courses. As a result, the purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate students’ perceptions of using Flipgrid for asynchronous video-based discussions in fully online courses. We used a cross-sectional survey design to survey 79 students who used Flipgrid in a fully online course. Students overall reported that they liked using Flipgrid, it was easy to use, and that it helped improve social presence. In this paper, we will …

Moving On Up? A Virtual School, Student Mobility, And Achievement, James D. Paul, Patrick Wolf

Curriculum and Instruction Faculty Publications and Presentations

Virtual charter schools provide full-time, tuition-free K-12 education through internet-based instruction. Although virtual schools offer a personalized learning experience, most research suggests these schools are negatively associated with achievement. Few studies account for differential rates of student mobility, which may produce biased estimates if mobility is jointly associated with virtual school enrollment and subsequent test scores. We evaluate the effects of a single, large, anonymous virtual charter school on student achievement using a hybrid of exact and nearest-neighbor propensity score matching. Relative to their matched peers, we estimate that virtual students produce marginally worse ELA scores and significantly worse math …

Student Perceptions Of Personalized Learning In A Rural School District., Kathryn M. House

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This case study explored student perceptions of the implementation of personalized learning as a means of supporting student engagement and improved student outcomes. A review of research revealed a mismatch between the current instructional pedagogy utilized and the needs identified by the workforce. The world has evolved rapidly while education has slowly evolved, creating an ever-increasing relevance gap for students. We have transitioned to a global society and innovations in technology have led the way. Today’s workforce requires students to have soft skills and competencies to be able to think critically, problem solve, develop resiliency, be innovative and creative, communicate …

Exploring The Instructional Emergent Writing Strategies Of The Emirati Kindergarteners: A Mixed Method Study, Warda Suliman Al Azri

Theses

This mixed-method study aimed at exploring the nature and the types of instructional emergent writing strategies applied by UAE kindergarten teachers in their classrooms. The study also fathomed the teachers’ views toward the practicality of the instructional emergent writing strategies and the challenges they encountered when teaching emergent writing using these strategies. The study used an exploratory sequential mixed method design. In the first phase of the study, a qualitative mean was used by carrying out semi-structured interviews with a purposive-selected sampling of kindergarten English teachers (n=5). The second phase of the study featured a collection of quantitative data using …

Using The Critical Mathematics Pedagogical Framework To Teach Adult Basic Education Learners: A Transformative Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study, Matthew D. Gromlich

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The goal of this study was to design and implement curricula in the Adult Basic Education classroom that aligned to the Critical Mathematics Pedagogical Framework. Specifically, this study assessed if ABE students’ mathematics anxiety and mathematics self-efficacy ware affected by curricula that aligns to the Critical Mathematics Pedagogical Framework. Using a transformative convergent parallel mixed methods study, this study showed that students taught using CMPF-based lessons specifically reflected on their own attitudes towards mathematics self-efficacy, mathematics anxiety, number positioning, and the need for societal change around mathematical concepts. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to highlight student reflections and …

A Combined Approach To Evaluating Student Engagement In A Virtual Laboratory Environment, Aster Sigel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study measured student engagement with galvanic skin response (GSR) using a one group randomized pretest–posttest design in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning environment to develop effective intervention strategies for engaging students in STEM learning experiences. Student engagement is a multi-dimensional interrelated construct, consisting of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive components, and varies in different subjects and learning environments. Student engagement in higher education is associated with academic achievement, retention, and graduation. In this study, the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive engagement data of 30 college students were obtained using self-report surveys, observation and physiological data, which was recorded …

Impact Of Tier 2 Intervention Program On Student Achievement And Self-Efficacy, Barbara L. Georges

Dissertations

To address the challenges of drop-out rate and achievement gap, high schools have begun to implement intervention programs. Schools bear responsibility in addressing factors such as poor academic performance, lack of course credit, and low motivation to encourage post-secondary success. Intervention programs show promise in mitigating these factors despite variation due to lack of state or federal requirements. The most common frameworks used to address the skill gaps and deficiencies that prevent graduation are Response to Intervention (RtI) or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of academic interventions on student achievement …

The Implementation Of A Two-Way Dual Language Program And The Impact On Teaching And Learning, Annetta Spychalski

Dissertations

Dual language programs satisfy the requirement of mandated bilingual programs for English Language Learners in the state of Illinois. This qualitative program evaluation focused on a school district that entered into an adaptive change process with respect to creating a two-way dual language immersion program that would increase student language acquisition in English and Spanish as well as increase cultural competency and professional development for teachers. The program evaluation provided the opportunity to diagnose the system through an examination of the challenges and the quality of the current state of the district leading to the identification of the 4c’s; context, …

Black Girls In 3d Disruptive, Defiant, And Disrespectful: Case Studies Of Culturally Responsive And Sustaining Classroom Management Practices In An Urban Middle School, Janeen Perry-Campbell

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

Extensive research has been conducted on the disproportionate amount of suspensions that occur among Black boys, however, there is an emerging body of research that suggests that the rate of suspensions among Black girls is increasing. The most common behaviors that Black girls receive office referrals for, are subjective behaviors such as being disruptive, defiant, and disrespectful. (Nunn, 2018). The purpose of this study was to examine how Culturally Responsive Classroom Management (CRCM) strategies reduce the disproportionate amount of suspensions that Black girls received. This qualitative study conducted through case studies focused on how the teachers’ culturally responsive and sustaining …

Culturally Responsive Science Education And Teaching: Current Literature, Preservice Elementary Science Teachers And Lesson Planning, Lundon Pinneo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

First, a meta-analysis of Culturally Responsive (CR) science teaching characteristics and practices was conducted. Findings revealed that there are a limited number of CR teaching studies at the elementary science level. When studies conducted at the middle, secondary and postsecondary level were included, six themes which encompassed the characteristics and pedagogical practices of effective CR science teachers and teacher development emerged. These themes were academics, cultural competency, social inequities, CR learning environment, rejection of the deficit lens and pedagogical strategies.

Next, the impact of curriculum and practices designed to reflect these six themes on preservice elementary science teachers was explored. …

Elementary Teachers’ Experiences With Remote Learning And Its Impact On Science Instruction: Multiple Cases From The Early Response To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Beth Pesnell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Teachers across the United States and worldwide found themselves in unprecedented educational situations during the early response period to the COVID-19 pandemic in spring of 2020. Efforts to quarantine and provide social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease brought mandated school closures throughout the United States, and teachers were required to pivot from their traditional, in-person instructional methods and deliver instruction remotely. This phenomenological multiple-case study explored the experiences of 10 elementary teachers with remote learning during the early response period and sought to understand the delivery of science instruction in the remote learning experience. Weekly interviews were …

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy And Writing Achievement For Native High School Students, Angelia Christine Greiner

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on the effects of culturally responsive pedagogy as it is implemented in a high school classroom with Native American students. This mixed methods case study collects, analyzes and synthesizes both quantitative and qualitative data within an overall formative and experimental design approach to measure the effects of culturally responsive pedagogy on students’ writing and their attitudes about writing. The study identified specific approaches to literacy instruction that hold promise for engaging Native students. Furthermore, findings from the study reveal the use of visual art as a particularly powerful tool that extends students’ meaning-making skills, leading to more …

Developing Purposeful Questions And Analyzing Student Reasoning: Two Tools, Frederick Peck, Jessica Alzen, Derek Briggs, Raymond Johnson

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

We introduce two tools to help teachers develop purposeful questions and collaboratively analyze student reasoning.

Formative Assessment: What We Don't Learn From "Just Answers", Shelby K. Cole

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

High stakes summative assessments include questions that are proxies of expectations outlined in standards as evidence of students’ proficiency in mathematics. While these proxies can provide valuable snapshots of student learning, this does not always neatly translate to classrooms in support of formative assessment.

Formative Assessments: You Have Options, Shelly Ray Parsons

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

Formative assessment provides powerful opportunities to enhance and improve classroom experiences. Educators have the ability to empower students every day in the classroom through active learning opportunities using formative assessment strategies.

President's Message, Joanie Funderburk

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

Assessment refers to more than just high-stakes tests. Teachers assess students every time they ask a question, have students share work on the board, review a homework assignment, or solicit student questions during a lesson.

From The Editor's Desk: Stepping Back And Looking Forward, Sandie Gilliam

Colorado Mathematics Teacher

A look at what’s ahead for the Colorado Math Teacher in 2016.

Using Geogebra, Photography, And Vocabulary To Teach Mathematics While Aiding Our Esol Populations, Joseph M. Furner, Noorchaya Yahya

Transformations

This paper shares many important examples of using real world photography and GeoGebra software in teaching math to all students including the ESOL population. ESOL learners can benefit immensely from the use of real-world photography imported into GeoGebra software because new vocabulary and math concepts are concretized. Students are often excited and motivated by photography and technology. Thus, this paper will demonstrate how mathematics teachers can insert photos into GeoGebra Software and then explore math concepts relevant in the photographs, i.e. shapes, symmetry, measurement, fractions, parabolas, etc. By using software and a visual approach to teaching math with photographs, many …

Year 7 Students’ Interpretation Of Letters And Symbols In Solving Routine Algebraic Problems, Madihah Khalid Dr., Faeizah Yakop Dr., Hasniza Ibrahim

The Qualitative Report

In this study wefocused on one of the recurring issues in the learning of mathematics, which is students’ errors and misconceptions in learning algebra. We investigated Year 7 students on how they manipulate and interpret letters in solving routine algebraic problems to understand their thinking process. This is a case study of qualitative nature, focusing on one pencil and paper test, observation, and in-depth interviews of students in one particular school in Brunei Darussalam. The themes that emerged from interviews based on the test showed students’ interpretation of letters categorized as “combining” - which involved the combining of numbers during …

Engaging Equity Pedagogies In Computer Science Learning Environments, Tia C. Madkins, Nicol R. Howard, Natalie Freed

Journal of Computer Science Integration

In this position paper, we advocate for the use of equity-focused teaching and learning as an essential practice within computer science classrooms. We provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of various equity pedagogies (Banks & Banks, 1995), such as culturally relevant pedagogy (Ladson-Billings, 1995, 2006) and share how they have been utilized in CS classrooms. First, we provide a brief history of CS education and issues of equity within public schools in the United States. In sharing our definition of equity, along with our rationale for how and why these strategies can be taken up in computer science (CS) …

November Agenda, Wku Graduate Council

Graduate School

Meeting agenda including October 8 meeting minutes; graduate enrollment reports; Graduate Council Curriculum report tracking; report from Graduate School; thesis, specialist project & dissertation guidelines; and Council of Graduate Schools resolution.

A Framework And Resources For Measuring Student Needs And Development During Remote And Blended Learning, Ginger M. Reynolds

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

No abstract provided.

Differences Make Us Unique! : My Shape Is Sam, Djuna Kotun

Diverse Families Bookshelf Lesson Plans and Activities

No abstract provided.

Early Civil Rights In The Rio Grande Valley: Mexican American Activism In The Early Twentieth Century (Elementary Social Studies K-5), Maritza De La Trinidad

Fall Workshop November 2020

Relevant TEKS for Elementary.

Students’ With Blindness And Visual Impairments Level Of Engagement In Science And Engineering Practices, Tiffany A. Wild, Natalie Shaheen, Danene K. Fast, Julia Averill, Karen Koehler, Kathleen Farrand

Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities

There is a lack of research on science-process skills and abilities of students with blindness and visual impairments to apply those skills (Jones, Forrester, Robertson, Gardner, & Taylor, 2012). This study aims to provide additional information on how students with blindness and visual impairment are engaged in science and engineering practices in order for teachers to gain a better understanding of how students with visual impairments can learn engineering practices. The Student Inquiry Review (Hilson & Wild, 2015) that examines the scientific and engineering practices as defined in the Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Core Ideas …

Topics And Challenges In Teaching Computer Science For Gifted And Talented Students, Tom Meyer, Namrata Pandya

Faculty Publications & Research

No abstract provided.

Shattering, Healing And Dreaming: Lessons From Middle-Grade Literacies And Lives, Carla España

Occasional Paper Series

In the summer of 2018, I had the opportunity to read the words of Renée Watson, Jewell Parker-Rhodes, Jacqueline Woodson and Nikki Grimes alongside seventh and eighth graders. Our conversations were grounded in the students’ lives and in stories and poems crafted by Black women. I had the responsibility and honor to select the texts, develop the curriculum and co-create a space with students. The authors’ words helped students process not only the authors’ craft but also how students navigated issues from microaggressions to tensions in friendships, from the oppression experienced at the intersections of their identities to the role …

Perceptions Of K-12 Teachers On The Cognitive, Affective, And Conative Functionalities Of Gifted Students Engaged In Design Thinking, Krista M. Stith, Mistie L. Potts, Lisa Davia Rubenstein, Kathryn L. Shively, Robyn Spoon

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

Gifted students are our nation’s natural resource of technological inventors and innovators, but oftentimes do not receive differentiated instruction in technology/engineering design learning environments. This is not negligence or lack of care by the instructor, but a national issue of not sufficiently providing pre- and in-service teachers with formal training opportunities in gifted education. The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of K-12 teachers, trained in gifted education pedagogy and the Design Thinking Model (DTM), after their gifted students engaged in design thinking activities. Fifteen K-12 educators of different content areas reflected in focus groups upon how …

Nature Of Problem-Solving Skills For 21st Century Stem Learners: What Teachers Need To Know, Paul Nnanyereugo Iwuanyanwu

Journal of STEM Teacher Education

Since the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution which calls for a new model of learning for the twenty-first century learners, it has been argued that the nature of problems that learners must solve in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) must also be transformed to enable new forms of learning skills that are needed to tackle complex global challenges. However, the question of how best to teach these skills purposefully and explicitly is largely overlooked. STEM education reformers recognize that the lecture method or traditional method of teaching is highly ineffective for teaching twenty-first century competencies and skills that …