Digital Commons Network^™

A Model Developmental Child-Sensitive Curriculum For Japanese Preschool Aged Children, Patricia J. Gee

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to design and develop a model preschool/kindergarten curriculum program that merges the best practices of representative American and Japanese programs. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature related to early child development was conducted, as well as a review of research supporting developmentally appropriate, early childhood curriculum programs. Additionally, information and materials from selected model American early childhood centers was contrasted with a representative preschool program sample from Japan.

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.

A Resource Guide For Teacher Use To Address Issues Of Disproportionality In Grades K-5 In Urban School Districts, Kelie R. Kegley

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a resource guide for teacher use to address issues of disproportionality in grades K-5 in urban school districts. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and current research on disproportionality in academic achievement in urban public schools was conducted. This review focused on effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices as they related to disproportionality in grades K-5. Additionally, information from selected urban school districts with disproportionality was obtained and analyzed.

A Resource Manual For Elementary School Administrators; Focusing On Programs And Activities For Parent And Community Involvement In Elementary Schools, Robert M. Chase

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a resource manual for elementary school administrators that focused on programs and activities for parent and community involvement in elementary schools. This was accomplished by reviewing current literature and programs which emphasized school activities for parents and community members.

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.

Parent Perceptions Of The Value Of The Juanita Apartment School Program, Stanley B. Hughes

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine parent perceptions of the value of the Juanita Apartment School program. To accomplish this task interview questions were developed and family interviews conducted. Transcriptions of audio interview tapes were made and all data studied to determine response patterns. Families interviewed indicated the Juanita Apartment School program had either been "very helpful" or "helpful" in making their children feel more positive about and be more successful in elementary school.

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 …

Research In Mathematics Education: A Contemporary Perspective, Alistair Mcintosh (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

The twelve chapters in this book-all but two written by researchers in Australian universities-provide ample evidence of the impressive contributions currently being made by Australia to research in mathematics education. The authors' fields of inquiry are diverse: they include discussion of the roles of language and imagery, problem posing and problem solving, students' beliefs and students' thinking, gambling and mental computation. T!1eir methodologies are no less diverse, incorporating descriptions of both quantitative and qualitative research projects, including action research in classrooms, theoretical perspectives and the development of theoretical models, reviews of research, surveys, clinical interviews and descriptions of new research …

Acer 1997-1998, 68th Annual Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

ACER Annual Reports

Contents: Valuing Educational Research, Research highlights, Benchmarking against the world, Social development, Indigenous education, Cambodia exams, Selecting tomorrow's doctors, Assessing reasoning skills, Celebrating language learning, Monitoring standards in education, Education index online

Young Children's Understanding Of Design In The Technology Process, Jean E. O'Sullivan

Theses : Honours

This study explored the development of children's thinking when social constructivist principles of learning were implemented through technological experiences. The study monitored the development of children's understanding of “design" through project work, using classroom based action research. In addition to investigating children's understandings, the study explored the use of technology in early childhood curriculum to develop the skills said to be required in the next millennium. The study found that five year old children are capable of "designing" and that technology is an effective vehicle for developing socially, contextually and culturally appropriate learning experiences.

Retention In The Schools, Sandy Barry

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine grade retention. It looks at the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives to retention. This paper discusses factors that increases a child's chance of being retained. Aspects in education that have affected retention are also discussed. In addition, this paper looks at teachers' beliefs and why they hold these beliefs concerning_retention. Finally, the last chapter summarizes this study and draws conclusions from the literature and suggests recommendations for further study.

Teachers' Life Histories As Curriculum Context, Rebekah D. Kelleher

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

This qualitative study focuses on the teacher as curriculum enactor. Using life history methodology, the study explores how ordinary teachers' life experiences impact their present classroom decisions. The purpose of the study is three-fold: to give voice to the classroom teacher as curriculum expert; to encourage reflective practice; and to contribute to curriculum knowledge by focusing on the enacted curriculum. Three female middle school teachers participated in structured and unstructured interviews in which they shared their life stories and reflected on the origin of their teacher knowledge and behavior. The researcher reviewed transcripts of interviews and notes from observations of …

No. 130 1997 November

International Journal for Business Education

SIEC Historical Documents

Teacher Recognition Of Student Learning Styles, Michelle Wright

Theses & Honors Papers

The ability of teachers in a special education classroom utilizing individualized instruction to recognize students' learning preferences was investigated. Each student's learning style preference was determined by the administration and evaluation of a learning styles inventory. Teachers were asked to respond to a similiar inventory as they felt their students would respond. A Pearson r performed on the results indicated that a relatively strong relationship existed between the responses at the . 10 level of significance .

A Case Study Of Twelve Japanese Esl Students' Use Of Interaction Modifications, Darin Dooley

Dissertations and Theses

This case study examines Japanese ESL students' use of interaction modifications in a content based course. Twelve female subjects were observed and recorded during a nine week period. Their use of interaction modifications (clarification requests, confirmation checks, and comprehension checks) and responses to interaction modifications (single word, full or partial repetition, or reformulation), during teacher-fronted and small group situations, were recorded and coded using the COLT observation instrument.

The study found that the subjects used clarification requests over four times more often in small group or pair-work situations than in teacher-fronted classes. Also, the subjects used confirmation checks over five …

Bilingual Language Arts Posters For The Classroom: A Reflection Of The Students' Culture And Needs, Mary Beth Doerr, Andrea Muñoz

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed to meet the needs of classrooms that are currently bilingual in some capacity and finding that current monolingual visual aids are not reaching all students. Bilingual visual aids in the form of posters will be created in order to meet those needs for the Spanish speaking population prevalent in the local schools. This paper describes the process of research and design for those visual aids.

Techniques And Strategies For Educating And Accommodating Students With Hearing Loss In The Classroom, Stacia H. Thompson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a teacher and administrator's handbook of techniques and strategies for educating and accommodating students with hearing loss in the classroom. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and current research on mainstreaming, educating, and accommodating students with hearing loss was conducted. Additionally, information from selected schools serving students with hearing loss was obtained and analyzed.

Promoting Phonological Awareness For Primary Grade Students Through Read-Aloud Book Activities: A Teacher's Guide, Mary Sue Warrington

All Graduate Projects

This project investigated phonological awareness as it relates to beginning literacy acquisition. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for phonological awareness instruction. A manual containing a sequence of research supported activities based on read-aloud books for facilitating acquisition of phonoiogica! awareness with primary grade students was created. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 14 kindergarten students in the last quarter of the school year.

Mapping Literacy Achievement: Results Of The 1996 National School English Literacy Survey: Incorporating A Report On The Survey Principles, Procedures And Findings, Geoff N. Masters, Margaret Forster

Monitoring Learning

The national school English literacy survey conducted in 1996 provides the most comprehensive picture yet developed of the literacy achievements of Year 3 and Year 5 students in Australian schools. The most significant finding of the survey is the wide range of literacy achievement among Australian children. The top ten per cent of students in each year are working about five year levels ahead of the bottom ten per cent. This range indicates the complexity of the teacher's task in providing appropriate learning opportunities for all students, and the need for schools to reflect on the implications of this range …

Literacy Standards In Australia, Geoff N. Masters, Margaret Forster

Monitoring Learning

This publication reports the percentages of year 3 and year 5 students meeting clear performance standards in reading and writing based on the 1996 National School English Literacy Survey. The performance standards described and illustrated in this report are informed by work to develop 'benchmarks' in literacy and numeracy under the direction of the Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs. Examples of survey assessment tasks and student work samples are provided to illustrate performance standards for year 3 and year 5 students.

A Model Program To Maximize Intellectual Development For Taiwanese Daycare/Preschool Children Ages 0-3, Crystal Fei-Ying Hou

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model program to maximize intellectual development for Taiwanese daycare/ preschool children ages 0-3. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding intellectual development of preschool age children and related early childhood education was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected daycare/ preschool centers was obtained and analyzed.

Acer 1996-1997, 67th Annual Report, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

ACER Annual Reports

This annual report for 1996-97 begins with ACER's Role and Structure, presenting ACER's guiding values, commitments, and goals, and discussing the origin and development of ACER, professional services, and organization and staffing. The report's other sections are: Highlights of the Year for ACER (Research and Development; Organizational Developments; Staff Activities); Director's Comment: Politicizing the Standards Debate; Measurement Division; Policy Research Division; International Development Division; ACER Press (Product Development; Publishing; Marketing and Customer Service); Corporate Services Division (The Cunningham Library; Computer Services; Personnel Services; Equal Opportunity Committee); Staff Publications and Professional Activities (Staff Publications; Staff Professional Activities outside ACER); Financial Report …

The Implementation Of First Steps In Four Primary Classrooms, Janet Hunter

Theses : Honours

The First Steps Project was developed by the Education Department of Western Australia to facilitate literacy learning of students who were perceived to be "at risk". The project has resulted in state-wide professional development for teachers, and the subsequent marketing of the program interstate and overseas. The purpose of this study is to present an insight into the various ways that teachers use First Steps in their classrooms and to discover where different teachers stand within the theoretical framework of language learning, and what orientation and experiences lead them to make the planning, teaching and evaluation choices they make. The …

A Case Study Of Academic Achievement Of African American Males, Loistean Mason

Dissertations

Several areas are often identified as barriers to the academic achievement of African American males. They include racial inequality, segregation between schools, segregation within schools, cultural insensitivity to learning styles, the theory of cultural deprivation, teacher/student interaction, and the discipline of African American students. The study was conducted in a Midwestern school with a predominantly African American student body and faculty at the end of the final grading period before graduation. This study of 12th-grade males sought to determine if the climate of an African American high school with African American administrators and faculty would enhance the achievement of African …

The Mayer Key Competencies And Arts Education, Jennifer Bryce, Adrian Harvey-Beavis, Joan Livermore, John O'Toole

Lifelong learning

This report Is the major outcome of the project Evaluating the Key Competencies In the Arts conducted by the National Affiliation of Arts Educators (NAAE) and the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) on behalf of the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA). The report uses the voices of arts teachers to show how the key competencies may have a generic function across the five arts areas and to explain how the construct of 'competency' makes sense In the arts field. Information on the use of the Mayer key competencies was collected from teachers in …

Changing Practices In The Assessment Of Writing A Discipline Redefining Itself, Marie E. Schleiff

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

This thesis concerns how changes in the assessment of writing mirror the historical changes in the purposes and methodologies in education. We have witnessed a dramatic shift from the viewing and testing of writing as a series of sub-skills, with emphasis on error-avoidance and correctness of form, to viewing both the process of writing and its assessment as a means of discovery, reflection, and learning. New practices in the evaluation of writing reflect knowledge of how writing occurs and how it is taught. Results of a survey conducted over two years show high school students' responses to traditional and new …

Impact Of Tennessee's Value-Added Assessment System On School Superintendents' Decision-Making, Kay M. Goode

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem related to this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the impact of Tennessee's Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) on school superintendents' decision-making responsibilities in view of school reform efforts at both the national and state levels during the last decade. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between three independent variables (superintendents' years of experience, superintendents' perceived degree of personnel acceptance, and superintendents' perceived technical assistance availability for data analysis and interpretation of results) and superintendents perceptions of the system on eight aspects (student learning; teacher performance; school system success; educational accountability; educational equality; assessment …

Developmental Assessment: Assessment Resource Kit, Geoff N. Masters, Margaret Forster

Assessment Resource Kit

Developmental assessment is the process of monitoring a student's progress through an area of learning so that decisions can be made about the best ways to facilitate further learning. Developmental assessment uses a progress map or continuum that describes the nature of development or progress or growth in an area of learning and so provides a frame of reference for monitoring individual development. Progress is monitored in much the same way as a child's physical growth is monitored: from time to time an estimate is made of a student's location on a developmental continuum, and changes in location provide measures …

Progress Maps: Assessment Resource Kit, Geoff N. Masters, Margaret Forster

Assessment Resource Kit

A progress map describes the nature of development in an area of learning and so provides a frame of reference for monitoring individual growth. An essential feature of a progress map is that it describes and illustrates developing competence. This issue in the Assessment Resource Kit (ARK) magazine series discusses how to construct a progress map and check against student achievement for revision of progress, elaborating, and refining descriptions of typical progress through an area of learning, and setting benchmarks. It comprises five articles on different aspects progress maps: 1. What is a progress map; 2. Drafting a progress map; …

Item Statistics For The Reading And Numeracy Tests: 1975-1995, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

LSAY Technical Reports

No abstract provided.