Digital Commons Network^™

Best Practices In Educator Preparation, Deborah Gober

Perspectives In Learning

One of the themes emphasized in the College of Education (COE) Conceptual Framework is excellence in teaching. As defined in the Conceptual Framework, excellence in teaching embodies the use of best practices which embody a variety of educational ideas and activities that lead to improved student learning. The phrase “best practice” is used frequently in fields such as medicine or law to describe reputable work based on current research and employing the latest knowledge, technology, and procedures in the field (Zemelman, Daniels, & Hyde, 1998). However, best practice in education has been somewhat difficult to define.

Collaboration Between Universities And Public Schools For Improved Student Achievement: A Report On The Progress Of A Developing Partnership, Paul T. Hackett, James E. Witte, Maria Martinez Witte, Iris Saltiel, Mike Johnson, Kathy Hesler

Perspectives In Learning

This article reports the progress of one project aimed at bringing together professionals from post-secondary and K-12 environments. The project is being implemented at Richards Middle (RMS) in Columbus, Georgia and involves a collaborative partnership between several universities and RMS, resulting in a school-based evaluation initiative with direct implications for strengthening leadership, training, and instructional practices in schools. Faculty researchers from three universities from two states, Troy University, Columbus State University, and Auburn University are working collaboratively with faculty and staff of Richards Middle School on an inquiry with a three-fold purpose. The primary goal is to evaluate the effectiveness …

Colby College Catalogue 2005 - 2006, Colby College

Colby Catalogues

Colby College Catalogue: September 2005 - August 2006

Measuring Christian Education Against National And State Standards: A Review Of The Literature, Beth Gordy Waddell

Perspectives In Learning

Almost all states within the United States have adopted state education standards as a tool to measure the knowledge and skills needed and the expected outcomes students should be achieving within a given school year (Juarez, 1999). There are two kinds of standards, content standards and performance standards. Content standards indicate what a student should know and be able to do. Performance standards incorporate content standards, but are expanded to include suggested tasks, sample student work, and teacher commentary on that work (Georgia Department of Education, 2004). According to Robert J. Marzano, a Senior Fellow at the Mid-Continent Research for …

The Catcher In The Rye: A Teaching Unit, Audrey Michelle Farrugia

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

The main goal of this unit is for students to critically think about the novel and the world around them. This unit is built on students responding to and exploring elements within the novel. With each discussion and experience, simply have the students write. The culmination of all their writing placed and bound together will create a journal.

As the students read, they are to highlight quotes they wish to discuss or respond to. This will allow the students to critically think about and process what they have read. It also teaches students how to pick out important concepts within …

Jaepl, Vol. 11, Winter 2005-2006, Kristie S. Fleckenstein, Linda T. Calendrillo

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Essays

Kami Day. We Learn More Than Just Writing.

In a composition class, students learn a great deal more, for good or ill, than just strategies for writing. This article shows that, as students and teachers learn to recognize and value their own inner teachers, they can also develop relationships with each other that nourish their spirits as well as their intellects.

Gina DeBlase. 'I Have a New Understanding': Critical Narrative Inquiry as Transformation in the English-History Classroom.

This case study highlights what roles classroom discussion and activity around literature, history, and society play in developing one student’s …

We Learn More Than Just Writing, Kami Day

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

In a composition class, students learn a great deal more, for good or ill, than just strategies for writing. This article shows that, as students and teachers learn to recognize and value their own inner teachers, they can also develop relationships with each other that nourish their spirits as well as their intellects.

Connecting, Helen Walker, Louise Morgan, Amy Wink, Marcia Nell, Gergana Vitanova, Judy Huddleston

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Louise Morgan—Street Science: An English Teacher’s Introduction to Street Life.

Amy Wink—'In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity'— Albert Einstein

Marcia Nell—The New Partnership

Gergana Vitanova—Negotiating an Identity in Graduate School as a Second Language Speaker.

Judy Huddleston—A Cat in the Sun: Reflections on Teaching.

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for three core group meetings
• Wild horse and burro curriculum completed and vetted through local, regional, and national levels
• Historical curriculum completed and ready for review by core group
• Two RRDLC PowerPoint presentations coordinated, written, and illustrated by Public Lands Institute staff for BLM presentations to the Clark County School District Executive Cabinet and the Board of Trustees.
• RRDLC informational handouts provided to community members, teachers, and students at Joshua Jubilee community event and Clark …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for two core group meetings
• Historical curriculum 100% completed
• Cultural curriculum 100% completed
• Night sky curriculum 50% completed
• Green Building curriculum 25% completed
• Communications/Outreach Plan revised and prioritized
• RRDLC newsletter under final review by BLM state office

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Annual Progress Report, Year Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Inside Unlv, Erin O'Donnell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Assessing “Discover Mojave” Instrument Development And Analysis, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Jeanne A. Klockow

Reports (DM)

We developed a comprehensive assessment plan and tested the curriculum to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and conducted through various stages based on cultural and language barriers as well a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events. We conclude that the implementation and assessment of the program is strong. We also make several recommendations for future programs.

Education About The Environment Discover Mojave Programs, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

Increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action” (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978)

Curriculum Design To Teach High School Students: How To Pull Evidence From Text, Karen Marie Hughes Bray

All Graduate Projects

Inadequate pe1formance of Washington State's public school students on national exams motivated the state legislature to pass the Basic Education Act in 1993. Graduation requirements were changed and expectations increased to specific skill levels in reading, writing, and several other subjects. The problem is that48% of North Central High School IO'" graders have averaged below standard in reading and 56% have averaged below standard in writing for the last six years. The project is designed to increase reading and writing skills at the high school level in classes outside of the academic arena by direct instruction. Washington State's Commission on …

Meaningful, Motivating Library Lessons That Matter To Students In Grade Four, Karen Louise-Bjorling Felch

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a meaningful, motivating library curriculum to increase student learning in literacy for students in grade four. Current literature and research on the roles of the teacher-librarian, information literacy instruction, reading advocacy, specifically literature guidance and appreciation, and motivation were explored. A yearlong library curriculum map was created addressing topics and methods found to be effective in the review of current research. The library curriculum was aligned with the Marysville School District Elementary Library Curriculum Guide for Grade Four, the Washington State Grade Level Expectations in Reading, the Washington State Essential Learnings in …

Using Music As A Classroom Tool, Gail Foreman

All Graduate Projects

The main focus of the project was to develop resources that will use music as a tool to improve literacy and support learning in third grade self contained classrooms. Research provides strong data connecting the relationship of music to academic achievement, language arts and improved test scores. This project provides prototype lesson plans that support grade level expectations and uses t4e Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. A unit of lesson plans was developed that integrates music into the language arts. Worksheets, graphic organizers and a music book list were developed as …

Integrating Award Winning Literature Into A Constructivist Based Middle School Mathematics Curriculum, Michael Douglas Martone

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design three independent units that integrate award winning literature and mathematics to be used in middle school mathematics classrooms. Numerous educators have been linking mathematics and literature in their classrooms. Children's literature gives students context in mathematics that can lead to an increase in students understanding of concepts. This project includes three independent units that are aligned with the national standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Suggestions for further study on the connection between literature and mathematics are discussed.

Elementary Spanish Language Instruction, Norma Leticia Peralez

All Graduate Projects

Foreign languages have always been taught in high school and in college. Students who are eager to learn a new language should not have to wait until they are older. This project will provide second grade teachers with three units that can be used to begin an elementary Spanish language instruction program. Teachers will be able to start their students with the basics and slowly move them into conversations. This project was selected due to high interest being shown from students and parents at a local second grade elementary classroom. The goal of this project is to have a second …

A Proactive Strategy For Teaching Evolution, Lawrence C. Scharmann

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Biology teachers are fortunate when topics to be addressed possess inherent qualities that interest students. Classical genetics rarely fails to interest secondary school students because it is introduced at a time when they are self-absorbed with their nascent physical characteristics, emerging sexuality, and/or future athlet- ic potential. A topic like genetics is always an easier sell than would be taxonomy, for instance. How should one treat topics that traditionally are tougher to teach? A simple but effective method for self-assessing readiness to teach a particular topic is to be prepared to respond to the questions, "Why do I have to …

Students With Either Specific Learning Disabilities Or With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Perceptions Of Self As Learner In Online Courses At Florida Virtual School And In The Traditional Learning Environment, Theresa Smouse

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research study was to investigate the perception of self as learner for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Students who had completed at least one mathematics or science course at Florida Virtual School, an online learning environment, were surveyed concerning their perception of self as learner in the online learning environment and in the traditional learning environment in 6 basic areas: feelings of success; level of comfort; relationship with teachers; and access to, communication with and feedback from teachers; and advantages and disadvantages of each learning environment. Results of …

The Effect Of Technology Acceptance On Post Secondary African- American Students Achievement In Mathematics: A Path Analytic Inquiry, Sulakshana Sen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of technology acceptance on post secondary African American students' achievement in Mathematics. The study was conducted in a historically Black four-year college in Daytona Beach, Florida on students using the computer to enhance their mathematics performance in an introductory algebra mathematics course. By using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed by F. Davis (1989), this study focused on variables such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, subjective norms, attitude and actual use of the computer to account the effect towards the achievement in the final exam which is …

Second Year Evaluation Of Tennessee Charter Schools, Steven M. Ross, Aaron J. Mcdonald, Linda Bol

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The purpose of the present evaluation study was to examine the progress made in program implementation, school climate, and student achievement by the seven charter schools. A "mixed-methods" design, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative data, was employed. The questions upon which the evaluation methods are based relate to the progress of individual schools and the overall group in implementing desired strategies for curriculum, instruction, and organization, and in attaining the goals of No Child Left Behind by bringing every child to proficiency in reading and mathematics on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program TCAP by 2014. It should be noted that …

Community Service Work-Study Program (Cswsp) Student Handbook - For Student Employees 2005-2006, Center For Service And Learning At Oberlin College

Curriculum

This document contains: Introduction; Community Service Partners; Financial Information; Training; Student Resources; Frequently Asked Questions; and Contact Information.

Impact Of The Arts On Students' Learning, Sook Ming Kong

Graduate Research Papers

The role of the arts has been undermined for a long time in the school curriculum. Recently, a group of researchers embarked on a number of studies investigating the positive effects which the arts has on students' performance in school. The results provide an insight into the fact that students who have high involvement in the arts perform better on a variety of academic measures such as grades in English, and scores on standardized tests.

The studies also provide evidence that participation in the arts helps to reduce the drop- out rate of at-risk students and those in low SES …

Fourth Grade Student Achievement On Math Standardized Tests In The Absence Of A Math Curriculum, Trista Manternach

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout the last few decades the importance of reading instruction has been the focus for schools and school districts across the nation. At Lincoln Elementary School in Waterloo, Iowa the focus has been no different. However, in the last two years, academic achievement in the area of math has become as important as reading with the advent of No Child Left Behind.

Although teachers were told that math was important, they lacked a required curriculum until a year after math became a focus of student achievement. The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: Did the absence …

How Can Technology Assist In The Effectiveness Of After School Programs?, Imani A. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines how technology assists in the effectiveness of learning in after-school programs. There are different types of after school programs available to parents with school-age children. Results describe the use of technology and the influence it has on the learning ability of students who are at risk. Meaningful, engaged learning can be promoted through the use of technology. Experts in the field state that technology facilitates learning by addressing the need of the individual learner. This review's conclusions indicate that a learning community can encourage personalized learning activities, collaboration, and motivation. The integration of effective technology into a …

Peer Tutoring And Technology Integration : You Too Can Make It Happen!, Brandy Smith

Graduate Research Papers

Technology is motivating to students and brings with it a sense of empowerment. This article looks at a successful model of technology integration. This model comes in the form of an after-school club called the "Tech Club" built upon a peer tutoring model. A lead teacher trained third grade student leaders, or the "Tech Kids" to facilitate technology "how-to" sessions in their classrooms. After learning technology basics, this core group of Tech Kids visited different third grade classrooms to teach their peers this magic. This article explains how this peer tutoring model greatly empowered these third grade students and allowed …

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Children's Literacy Development, Annette L. Wohlers

Graduate Research Papers

Reading is a growing concern in the United States. Many students are leaving the educational system not ready to deal with the literary demands of everyday life and/or higher education. Factors that support students' growth in reading were reviewed. One specific factor that has a significant impact on literacy, which was a focus, was involvement of parents. What parents can do to assist their children's literacy development and attainment were also reviewed. A parent pamphlet design on reading at home came about from obtained information from the reviews.