Digital Commons Network^™

Reaching The Standards: An Action Research Project Using A Constructivist Survey To Measure The Effects Of Curricular Change Based On The Goals Of The National Science Education Standards, Kristi Joanne Mueller

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Voices Of The Civil War: An Interactive Unit Study, Barbara Mcintosh, Cheryl Taylor

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Volume 11, Number 01, Lana Wachniak Editor

Reaching Through Teaching

Full text of Volume 11, Number 01 of Reaching Through Teaching.

A Process Model To Aid In The Development Of Integrated Thematic Curriculum Units, Jennifer Lynn Hamilton

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a detailed manual to assist elementary teachers in the design of successful integrated thematic curriculum units. The project reflects the most recent research related to learning theories of how the brain comprehends. The manual synthesizes current procedures for integrative thematic curriculum development into a manual which includes a rational for integrative curriculum, a step by step procedure for development of integrated thematic units, and an example of an integrated thematic unit.

Colby College Catalogue 1998 - 1999, Colby College

Colby Catalogues

Colby College Catalogue: September 1998 - August 1999

Performance Of African American And Lower-Income Students On State Standardized Tests., Mavis R. Higgins-Green

Dissertations (Pre-2016)

None

Multiple Intelligence Motivational Activities Using Literature For Kindergarten And First Grade Students, Heidi Jo Ann Otis

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to identify a set of multiple intelligence activities that foster motivation for reading. These activities were to accompany specific pieces of children's literature. Children who are motivated and spend more time reading become better readers (Gambrell, 1996). The central element for this project was to develop activities for children's literature using Gardner's multiple intelligence theory. Gardner lists those seven intelligences as: Linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, music, kinesthetic/body, interpersonal and intrapersonal (Gardner, 1983). By giving young children a variety of intellectual modalities associated with children's literature it was hoped that all students would develop an early …

An Interdisciplinary Research Project For The Middle School Study Skills Curriculum, Colleen M. Kinney

All Graduate Projects

An integrated curriculum correlating endangered species with the disciplines of life science, math, language arts, geography, and study skills, for seventh grade students at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Yakima, Washington, was developed. A literature review supports the premise that integrated units enable students to make connections between the concepts taught in school and the real world. The literature review also indicated the need for schools to teach study skills to better prepare students for the future.

Enhancing Student Learning Through Brain-Based Learning Techniques: A Handbook For Educators, Cynthia Gail Mcfarland

All Graduate Projects

The significance of utilizing a brain-based approach to learning and teaching was researched. Current brain research indicates that often traditional educational methods are not conducive or are even detrimental to student learning. Several sources supported the brain-based learning, multiple intelligence, and learning styles theories. The research suggested that the brain-based learning approach has been beneficial not only to student learning but also to an increase in student motivation and self-esteem. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook features "brain friendly" strategies and activities that focus on rich and positive learning experiences that enable students to …

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

Creating Conditions For Developing And Nurturing Talent: The Work Of School Leaders, Stephanie Pace Marshall, Martin Ramirez, Kathy Plinske, Catherine C. Veal

Publications & Research

In 1993, two decades after the 1972 U.S. Office of Education Report on the status of gifted and talented programs (the Marland Report), U. S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley issued a report stating that gifted education is essential to our nation’s future and documenting the “quiet risk” faced by gifted children and gifted education programs in the United States.

Integrating Security Into The Curriculum, Cynthia E. Irvine, Shiu-Kai Chin, Deborah Frincke

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - All Scholarship

The number of skilled practitioners of computer security who are able to address the complexities of modern technology and are familiar with successful approaches to system security is very small. People want security but are faced with two difficulties. First, they do not know how to achieve it in the context of their enterprises. They may not even know of a way to translate organizational procedures into policies, much less implement a set of mechanisms to enforce those policies. Second, they have no way of knowing whether their chosen mechanisms are effective. The recent US Presidential Commission on Critical Infrastructure …

Case Study Of Assessment In A High School Classroom: The Impact Of Changes In Assessment On Curriculum, Instruction, Teachers, And Students, Deborah A. A Brady

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study examined the impact of changes in assessment on curriculum, instruction, teachers, and students. The study describes the complex, developmental process by which a particular course, teachers, and a class evolved, articulated goals and standards, and assessed their learning. My co-teacher and I used a variety of assessments: conferences, peer review, reflections, portfolios, group projects, and presentations in addition to traditional tests and quizzes. The methodology was a qualitative study by a teacher/researcher in a high school Humanities class.

Computer-Based Training And Its Impact On Training And Education, Carla Gahwiler

Graduate Research Papers

Computer-based training is an area of training that is growing at a rapid pace. Although it is becoming more and more popular, we must determine the actual impact it has on training in order to assess its usefulness and relevance. This study was developed by researching and compiling available data on the subject of computer based training, and then forming an assessment of this type of training based on that information. It was found that computer based training offers many positive features as well as advantages and appropriate applications, but it does have its limitations, and is not the answer …

Calculators In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms, Debra Lynn Kuehne

Graduate Research Papers

Calculators can be a catalyst for all mathematical learning. Arithmetic skills are necessary life tools. Doing mental math requires basic facts mastery with estimation skills. Using a calculator successfully and evaluating the answer requires an understanding of the necessary arithmetic processes and the ability to identify a reasonable solution.

Like all technology available in the K-12 school setting, calculators should be viewed as tools to facilitate learning and logical reasoning. Students need to be prepared for the jobs of the future, many of which occupations have not yet even been created. The motivation for learning any skill in life is …

Academic Acceleration Of Gifted Children, Lisa Moldenhauer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine academic acceleration. It looks at the rationale, different forms of acceleration, benefits, disadvantages, and guidelines that should be considered when accelerating. In addition, this paper examines teachers' beliefs and why they hold these beliefs concerning acceleration. Finally, the last chapter summarizes this study and draws conclusions from the literature and suggests recommendations for further study.

Acceleration Policies And Practices In Central Iowa, Patricia Ann Smith

Graduate Research Papers

This study explored acceleration practices throughout the country with a focus on the public and private schools of Area Education Agency (AEA) 11 in Central Iowa. Questions explored included the following: Do the school districts and private schools in AEA 11 allow for the academic acceleration of students in any form? Do they have written or implied unwritten policies for acceleration? What practices, if any, are currently employed by AEA 11 schools? What percentage of students in these schools engage in each type of acceleration? What criteria are used to select students for acceleration? How many acceleration experiences have had …

Integrating Children's Literature And Mathematics In The Early Childhood Classroom, Jamie M. Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

"Historically there have been three reasons for groups to formally adopt a set of standards: (1) to ensure quality, (2) to indicate goals, and (3) to promote change. For NCTM, all three reasons are of equal importance" (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989, p. 2).

Now, more than any other time in history, mathematical reform is essential in our school systems. The traditional mathematics curriculum was designed to prepare shopkeepers, farmers, and factory workers for occupations in the early 1900s. Some of those skills are still useful in today's society. However, as the new millennium approaches, our future …

Copyright Issues For The Technological Classroom : What Is Permissible Under Current Copyright Law And Guidelines For Educators In The Design And Use Of Multimedia, Disance Learning, And Other Recent Technological Advances?, Anthony Kenneth Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Technologies, such as computers, Internet, electronic mail etc., offer educational institutions limitless opportunities for learning and teaching. While technological advancements encourage academia to boldly go where no one has gone before, there are legitimate copyright and intellectual property concerns that need to be addressed. The current copyright law passed in 1976, although it legally established the Fair Use principle, is inadequate given the age we live in.

To encourage dialogue, this review of the literature will explore the applicability of copyright law to educators in the electronic environment. Current law, established guidelines, and recent court decisions will be discussed in …

Integration Of Technology Into Science Education, Paul Zahner

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the importance of integrating technology into science education is discussed. The correlation between technology and science is noted and national science standards are examined. The evolution of today's learners requires a change in science education, and technology can serve as a vehicle for meaningful reform. The starting point for any change in science education lies with the teacher, who must adopt new strategies to meet the needs of all types of learners. Various examples of these teaching plans are discussed within this paper. Other important components of the change process include school administration support, especially financial. These …

Cluster Grouping Elementary Gifted Students In The Regular Classroom: A Teacher's Perspective, Kevin Michael Teno

Graduate Research Papers

Cluster grouping is a programming option that is receiving increased attention as a method of serving gifted students in regular heterogeneously grouped classrooms. This article provides an overview of the literature on cluster grouping and also examines the advantages and disadvantages of clustering from the perspective of conclusions obtained through actual implementation in an elementary school district. The conclusions indicate that clustering, if carefully planned and implemented, provides a viable option in meeting the needs of gifted students and improves the education of all students in the regular classroom.

The Movement Toward Authentic Assessment And The Role Of Technology, Brenda L. Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Assessment can be defined as the process of collecting evidence of what a student knows and is able to do. There are several types of assessment available for use. The list includes, but is not limited to, standardized tests, performance based assessment and portfolios. All of these have both positive and negative aspects to evaluating student learning.

Effective Uses Of Technology In The Classroom, Sherrie Kopecky

Graduate Research Papers

Research Questions: How is technology being effectively used in the elementary, middle, and high schools both by the teachers and the students? What are some effective pieces of software students are utilizing in their learning? What is the best way to integrate technology into the curriculum?

What Does Educational Technology Mean In The Promotion Of Student Achievement : A Literature Review, Fongching Lee

Graduate Research Papers

Research indicates that educational technology has a valued status, especially in the promotion of student learning. The theory behind the study of educational technology includes the four paradigms defined by Saettler (1990): the media view, the communications and systems view, the behavioral sciences view, and the cognitive science concept. This theory serves as the basis for the implementation of educational technology by the teachers.

Implementing educational technology, in special education and regular education (k-12), has indicated positive influences on student achievement. Greater student achievement would translate to better worker-citizens for the United States, thereby allowing the country to be competitive …

Underachievement In Gifted Students, Deborah Langenderfer Nagle

Graduate Research Papers

This study reflected on literature concerning gifted students who underachieve in school. Its purpose was to review the literature to examine the various definitions of underachievement, the characteristics of gifted underachievers, the risk factors for underachievement related to gifted students and the existence of promising interventions to ameliorate underachievement. The writer concluded that underachievement is a discrepancy related to performance behaviors that can be changed. She found that positive change can best be accomplished by the use of individualized interventions involving both the school and the family.

Integrated Humanities: A Content Model For Senior High School Gifted, Jolene Kay Teske

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to develop an integrated humanities content model for senior high school gifted students. It began as a vision and has developed into a clear content model that will be piloted at the writer's school in the fall of 1999. Through the literature review and working revisions, the writer has become convinced that this type of model is one viable and defensible option for programming for intellectually gifted students at the senior high school level.

Making Sturdy Cloth-Bound Books Using Heat-N-Bond Ultra, Edward J. Dwyer, Evelyn Dwyer

ETSU Faculty Works

The road to competence in writing is best paved with joyful experiences, especially early experiences with writing in the elementary school. One such experience is writing a story and making a beautiful cloth-bound book. Materials needed, which are easily obtained, are:(1) a commercially produced material called Heat-N-Bond (Ultra);(2) mat board or heavy weight poster board;(3)heavy weight paper in a variety of colors;(4) cloth in bright patterns or any other choice;(5) plain white photocopy paper;(6)long arm stapler; and (7) clothes irons. After assembling the book in 10 easy steps, photos or pictures from magazines or other sources maybe put on the …

An Investigation Of The Amount Of Emphasis Placed On Content And Delivery By Instructors Of Public Speaking, Paul J. Siddens Iii

Faculty Publications

A study examined how much emphasis instructors of public speaking place on content and delivery when teaching and delivering oral and written critiques. The study sought to determine whether when teaching a hybrid introduction to communication course; or public speaking course; instructors are challenged with teaching their students about issues related to the content of the speech; such as the introduction and conclusion; organization; supporting evidence; and issues related to physical and vocal delivery such as appearance; gestures; eye contact; volume; rate; and vocal variety. This was a pilot study to test the research questions; survey instrument; and methodology used …

A Study Of Integrated Learning Systems In The Public Schools, Mary N. Parker

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an Integrated Learning System (ILS). This study focused on how public school districts in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa were using the ILS. Eighty-five surveys were sent to public school contact persons whose names were provided by Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC) which produces an ILS called SuccessMaker. Other software providers refused to cooperate in supplying names for the study. The study also asked if the ILS were effective in producing student gains.

While this study did not statistically evaluate the effectiveness of the ILS compared to control groups, or …

The Development Of A Master Plan Of Curriculum And Instruction For A Charter School In The State Of Michigan, Thomas Gerald Kea

Dissertations

Problem. Our country stands in need of academic imperatives that will provide direction for our public school system. Highly accountable charter schools are being propagated to model quality education. The country is presently challenged to produce competent educational programs that contribute to this pioneer effort.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to develop a master plan of curriculum and instruction for a charter school in the state of Michigan by studying select schools and other documents.

Method. This was a qualitative study that sought to determine the culture of select charter, public, private, and home schools. Ten principles, drawn …