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Northwestern College, Iowa

2021

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The Beacon, November 19, 2021, The Beacon Staff Nov 2021

The Beacon, November 19, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

“Stand Up For Your Sister” comes to campus; NW students double as camp counselors; Swift baring her relationship soul for fans; The bigger the name, the bigger the fail; A blossoming performer showcases her talents; Van Ravenswaay: a versatile and talented NW musician; History in The Beacon archives; An anticipated Thanksgiving break; The match to end all matches; Forget geese, let’s talk penguins; Hot Takes: Which Taylor Swift album is the best and why?; Marker and Wiersma race their way to nationals; Raider basketball dominate in Pizza Ranch Classic; A new season begins for the NW wrestling team; Northwestern introduces …


The Beacon, November 12, 2021, The Beacon Staff Nov 2021

The Beacon, November 12, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Resident directors add dogs to campus; Sophomores experience first “normal” year; Houndmouth leaves their listeners hopeful; Obscure comics brought to the big screen at last; Dordt prof has a soft spot for NW art department; Heritage and Jazz present an effervescent performance; Improv group brings laughs to NW; Empowerment groups offer more; The undeserving black sheep; Providence, history, and nuance; Hot Takes: Which fast food fries are the best and why?; Raiders men’s soccer the team to beat; Three Raiders get All-Conference honors in XC GPAC meet; Raiders football fall in rivalry match against Morningside; I-Club hosts annual Coffee House; …


The Beacon, November 4, 2021, The Beacon Staff Nov 2021

The Beacon, November 4, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

NW staff adoption journeys; Wellness Center provides student resources; The ginger strikes again with new album “=”; Dune: beyond what was always thought possible; Little Shop rocks out the Proscenium stage; Join the celebration led by the Symphonic Band; Education dept. welcomes Vasher; Student firefighter opportunity; The Christian case for geese; Northwestern top 10; Hot Takes: Which is better? Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora? Why?; Men’s and women’s basketball season begins; Raiders football top Defenders in Sioux County match-up; Raiders volleyball in five set battle on senior day; Children’s illustrator visits campus; NW hosts Harvest Festival for family weekend


The Beacon, October 22, 2021, The Beacon Staff Oct 2021

The Beacon, October 22, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Student activities sees new changes; Book clubs provide fresh perspectives; An out-of-this world experience for Coldplay; Depth and character for the beloved secret agent; Bold brass spanning their careers and genres; Talented jack of all trades within the music department; Putting policies to action: I.D.E.A.; Little orange booklet goes digital; The fundamental issue with men’s soccer; Wear a mask when you are sick; Hot Takes: Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why or why not?; Raiders make new program record for yards; Raiders Volleyball tops Mount Marty in straight sets; NW women’s soccer loses to Dordt with late goal; Northwestern offers …


The Beacon, October 15, 2021, The Beacon Staff Oct 2021

The Beacon, October 15, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Alumni return to NW as educators; Caf or Commons? NW weighs in; Unlikely pair unite in new record; Riveting story of acceptance and courage; DME bringing God’s Word to life; Music helps to connect to a cool God; A summer spent studying abroad; Kinesiology dept. welcomes Dr. Singh; The Christian case against geese; History majors have great personalities; Hot Takes: Which water fountain on campus is the worst and why?; NW men’s soccer makes program history; Raider volleyball downs Briar Cliff in straight sets; Raiders cross country making great strides in season; Newly renovated Bultman Center; NW prison ministry goes …


The Beacon, October 1, 2021, The Beacon Staff Oct 2021

The Beacon, October 1, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Brad’s Breads introducing gelato; Colenbrander Hall welomes new RD; Taylor Swift reclaims her name; Funny and action packed, something for everyone; Music comes back in full force this fall; Anna Boyles: athlete, servant and musician; Learning Commons services available; Campus vaccination comparably low; Harry Styles has been right all along; In defense of reformed pacifism; Hot Takes: Is cereal a soup?; NW in momentum game dominates Dordt; After stellar game, Cade Moser receives GPAC honors; Men’s and Women’s tennis afforded fun opportunity; NW students go to Black Hills; Leadership Program


Addiction Generation: Stimulant Abuse In College Students, Jemma Kenobbie Oct 2021

Addiction Generation: Stimulant Abuse In College Students, Jemma Kenobbie

Student Projects

Illicit use of prescription stimulants has come to the attention of clinicians, school administration, and the judicial system in recent years. Illicit stimulant use is defined as the use of prescription stimulants without a legitimate prescription or using stimulants inconsistent with the prescribed treatment plan, including diversion and inappropriate administration methods. These prescriptions have been known to cause serious side effects when taken incorrectly, yet their popularity as “study buddies” among college students has risen. The most current research has found that the percentage of undergraduate students abusing stimulants ranges from 8-43%, with an average of 17% of students abusing …


The Impacts Of Intervention On Emotional Awareness & Self-Regulation On Students With Disabilities, Lydia Smith Oct 2021

The Impacts Of Intervention On Emotional Awareness & Self-Regulation On Students With Disabilities, Lydia Smith

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts an intervention has on the emotional awareness and self-regulation skills of students with disabilities. Previous research has examined one or more of the components of emotional awareness, self0regulation,social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and students with disabilities; but none have examined all four of the components in conjunction with each other. This research was able to inspect all of these components through a mixed-methods study which implemented an intervention for eight weeks. The intervention consisted of instructing the student on recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating emotions, as well as learning …


The Lifelong Effects Of Childhood Trauma, Jacayla Litwiller Oct 2021

The Lifelong Effects Of Childhood Trauma, Jacayla Litwiller

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) continue in a cycle, as evidence in research literature. Those who have experienced ACEs are likely to continue the cycle with their own children. As a result, children with ACEs are an increasing reality for educators who often see the immediate and short-term effects of trauma. What is not commonly understood among educators are the significant lifelong health effects of ACEs. This literature review examines the life-long effects of ACEs on physical, mental, intellectual, and occupational health. The effects include a shorter life expectancy and a lower quality of life.


The Effectiveness Of The Co-Teaching Model, Jennifer Stortenbecker Oct 2021

The Effectiveness Of The Co-Teaching Model, Jennifer Stortenbecker

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores instructional strategies and cooperative teaching (co-teaching) strategies, based on information gathered from recent research. It is an analysis of various studies that address how co-teaching was implemented in classrooms of students with and without disabilities. Considered are both teacher and student perspectives on the effectiveness of co-taught classrooms. The results of this literature review observed positive perceptions from all parties involved. Collectively, the research emphasizes the importance of having full support of the administrative staff, and how all teachers involved need to have an open, honest line of communication between each other. However, the research also …


The Effectiveness Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports (Pbis) In Schools, Jennifer L. Van Otterloo Oct 2021

The Effectiveness Of Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports (Pbis) In Schools, Jennifer L. Van Otterloo

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Negative student behaviors are increasing in schools today (Molly et al., 2013). When students engage in problem behaviors, they are more likely to fall through the cracks and their educational gap increases. Therefore, something needs to be done in school systems to decrease these problem behaviors. PBIS is an implementation framework that is designed to improve academic and social behavior outcomes for all students (Sungai & Simonsen, 2012). The purpose of this literature review is to explore the effects of PBIS on student behavior and ways to implement PBIS successfully. Overall, research shows that when PBIS is implemented correctly and …


Examining Teachers Perceptions Of Inclusive Practices In Secondary Education, Jill A. Phillips Oct 2021

Examining Teachers Perceptions Of Inclusive Practices In Secondary Education, Jill A. Phillips

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The aim of this literature review is to examine inclusive education in the mainstream secondary education classroom, namely how participation in training, support, and attitudes and perceptions influence the success of inclusive education. Several articles were reviewed that researched inclusive education to determine the opinions of teachers who have implemented inclusive education into the mainstream secondary classroom and whether or not support and training influenced the success of inclusion. Teachers’ perceptions on inclusive education are important to investigate. This will determine where teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards and knowledge of inclusive education as well as principals’ support and expectations of …


Elements Of Teaching Trauma, Michelle J. Evers Oct 2021

Elements Of Teaching Trauma, Michelle J. Evers

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Providing support to students who have experienced childhood trauma requires whole school involvement. From school shootings that shock the nation to the daily violence, poverty, abuse, and addiction in communities that rarely make headlines, students and their families often experience traumatic events that can alter their lives forever. Unions and districts across the country are working together to address the epidemic of trauma in schools with students’ and educators’ needs in mind; collaborating to transform schools into "trauma-informed" environments, taking vital steps to become safe havens for every student. Trauma-sensitive focus on education supports a school community where students feel …


Combining Translation And Contextual Learning To Support English Learners In Elementary Level, Andy P. Liu Oct 2021

Combining Translation And Contextual Learning To Support English Learners In Elementary Level, Andy P. Liu

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Many schools instruct English Learners (ELs) without the use of their first language (L1), especially during the beginning stages, because they believe the presence of ELs’ native language will hinder their second language acquisition. According to recent studies, students’ first language proficiency supports their second language acquisition because languages share some common linguistic components. In this action research, the researcher intends to use L1 translation and contextual learning strategies to support ELs’ vocabulary acquisition in Grades 2 and 3 science, and students will choose which strategy(ies) they prefer to use to study the new words. Students take pre-and post-tests, and …


Classroom Physical Activity Breaks, Taylor Quiring Oct 2021

Classroom Physical Activity Breaks, Taylor Quiring

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine the impact of brief physical activity breaks on student engagement in the classroom, with a focus on off-task behaviors. Participants in the study were 21 seven to nine year olds who attended 3rd grade at an elementary school in Minnesota. Students completed a 3-5 minute GoNoodle guided movement video during the reading block over a 10 day intervention period. Data was collected by the researcher using a tally-mark chart to denote the frequency of off-task behaviors. The study concluded physical activity breaks had a positive effect on decreasing student off-task …


Mathematics Online Assessment Tools, Eric Schultz Oct 2021

Mathematics Online Assessment Tools, Eric Schultz

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores which online assessment tool is preferred within a classroom setting. Four Geometry classes were given weekly formative assessments using DeltaMath, Classkick, and Desmos. The students’ scores from these assessments and opinions were collected and analyzed to find which program would be most beneficial for the classroom. The literature review covers a variety of resources that determine effective classroom teaching in which technology is used within the classroom. The articles vary in what practices most benefit the students when utilizing online assessments, and allows a better view into what processes should be considered before implementing online assessments into …


Effective Reading Strategies To Increase Reading Fluency, Jessica Dewaard Oct 2021

Effective Reading Strategies To Increase Reading Fluency, Jessica Dewaard

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Research states that a student’s reading fluency has a direct correlation to their reading comprehension. This literature review investigates the most effective reading strategies that increase a student’s reading fluency rate. The research explores strategies such as repeated reading, Readers Theatre, text complexity, phonics instruction, and intervention group conditions. This literature review will contain peer reviewed, scholarly journals to research the most effective reading strategies to increase student’s reading fluency rate. The results of the various studies utilized within this paper indicate repeated reading that incorporates scaffolded repetitive readings of a text have been highly successful.


Standards-Based Grading At The Secondary Level: A Review Of Literature, Jacie White Oct 2021

Standards-Based Grading At The Secondary Level: A Review Of Literature, Jacie White

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Grading systems have become a topic of interest at the secondary level. Even though the shift to standards-based grading is a daunting task for districts, post-secondary educational institutions are taking on grading reform at even higher educational levels. It is challenging for secondary teachers to narrow down the key elements of grading and prepare for the shift in mindset needed for a standards-based system. Research shows beneficial elements for learning after implementing a full standards-based system, but transforming a district’s grading system is a major undertaking. While there are benefits for all stakeholders involved when reforming beliefs about grading practices, …


The Implementation Of Positive Behavior Supports And Interventions To Support And Encourage Appropriate Behavior And A Positive Climate In The School, Grace Hiveley Oct 2021

The Implementation Of Positive Behavior Supports And Interventions To Support And Encourage Appropriate Behavior And A Positive Climate In The School, Grace Hiveley

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the behavioral framework Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and the effects it has on a school climate. A specific interest was the impact of behavioral strategies on individual students and overall school climate. The question is how can schools positively impact students’ behavioral changes while also improving the school environment. As a whole, studies support that when school personnel implement PBIS with fidelity, school-wide expectations established, and behavioral strategies are used explicitly schools see positive impact on students, teachers, and overall climate. The purpose of this literature review is to investigate …


Social Interaction With Students Who Have A Visual Impairment In Early Childhood, Sarah Harms Oct 2021

Social Interaction With Students Who Have A Visual Impairment In Early Childhood, Sarah Harms

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this integrative literature review is to research how social interaction can affect children in early childhood who are blind and visually impaired. It will delve into how children with visual impairments learn, what social interaction can provide, and what parents and educators can do to foster positive outcomes. Different assessment tools and skillsets that make evaluation appropriate for this age group will also be examined.


Trauma-Informed Practices And Their Effects On Student Performance And Behaviors, Ashley Roberts Oct 2021

Trauma-Informed Practices And Their Effects On Student Performance And Behaviors, Ashley Roberts

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Trauma occurs when a young child experiences an event that causes actual harm or poses a serious threat to the child's emotional and physical well-being. The research shows that there are many factors that influence a child's life and can cause a child trauma. Many children exposed to trauma will experience difficulties with coping, building relationships, self-regulation, lack of social skills, difficulties with peers; many will develop PTSD. Educators and parents alike are looking to trauma-informed practices for the benefit of all children. This literature review will explain the importance of these practices and how they affect children's behavior and …


Play It Again Mathematics, Michelle Sherman Oct 2021

Play It Again Mathematics, Michelle Sherman

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research project focuses on implementing game-based learning into a first-grade math lesson, to help improve addition facts and fluency. The study was conducted over a ten-day period in one first grade classroom. Data was collected at the beginning of this study and at the end to determine if playing games in math increases a student's addition fact fluency . After the initial one-minute addition pre-test, the students were divided into two groups according to ability. One of the groups was the control group who learned addition math facts through paper and pencil activities and the other group was …


Decreasing Unwanted Behaviors In The Classroom Through The Implementation Of A Social-Emotional Curriculum, Laurie Smith Oct 2021

Decreasing Unwanted Behaviors In The Classroom Through The Implementation Of A Social-Emotional Curriculum, Laurie Smith

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Social-emotional learning programs can have an influence on social and emotional competencies which may lead to a decrease in unwanted behaviors in the classroom. This study examined the effects of one social-emotional learning program, Positive Action, on decreasing unwanted behaviors in the classroom in a rural Northeastern Iowa middle school. Participants included ten 6th grade students, 2 girls and 8 boys, who had received referrals prior to the implementation of the program. The number of referrals received was retrieved from the school district’s JMC gradebook program which had a discipline referral component. A checklist was used to record the …


Physical Activity And Fitness In 21stcentury Education, Ajay Gonnelli Oct 2021

Physical Activity And Fitness In 21stcentury Education, Ajay Gonnelli

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The broad issue examined in this literature review covers the importance of physical education and fitness in 21st-century education and how to motivate kids to be more active. Physical activity is defined as any movement that requires the skeletal muscles to function to create energy to be used (WHO, 20201). In education movement and energy is vital to the human body, its muscles, and their functions. For a skeletal muscle to function, energy needs to be produced. That energy comes from the oxygen (02) that we inspire and the carbon dioxide (C02) we expire. To inspire and expire we need …


Effective Implementation Of Blended Learning, Carla Macumber Oct 2021

Effective Implementation Of Blended Learning, Carla Macumber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review depicts the current reality of blended learning in schools and the systems that will need to transform in order to fully implement technology into the daily school experience. Since technology is an integral part of society, schools are tasked with how to create and implement curriculums that include aspects of online learning. Moving from traditional education to a new blended learning approach brings about challenges for both teachers and administrators. Teachers must learn to understand new technologies and how to utilize them to teach with 21st Century skills in mind. Administrators need to lead districts through new …


The Effect Of Homework On Summative Assessments, Elizabeth Anderson Oct 2021

The Effect Of Homework On Summative Assessments, Elizabeth Anderson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine if homework completion had an effect on how students performed on summative assessments. This action research study was conducted in a high school classroom in Northwest Iowa. An Algebra and Algebra 2 class were used during this research process. Quantitative data was collected on homework completion and summative assessment scores for three consecutive chapters covered in each respective class. The results of this study showed while there is a positive correlation between the two variables, no significant conclusions could be made from the collected data.


Explicit Instruction To Improve Phonics And Decoding Skills In Elementary Newcomers, Madison Gates Oct 2021

Explicit Instruction To Improve Phonics And Decoding Skills In Elementary Newcomers, Madison Gates

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The present study investigated the effects of daily phonics and decoding instruction on Newcomer English Language Learners (ELL). Participants (n = 10) were identified as first year students in the United States, attending the same elementary school in Iowa. Participants’ literacy scores were measured using the FAST Early Reading Letter Sounds assessment, FAST Early Reading Nonsense Words assessment, and the FAST CBMReading assessment. Upon receiving their scores on the assessments, participants received fifteen minutes of explicit instruction each day, in their respective ELL class, for eight weeks. Results from the dependent samples two-tailed t-test revealed that there was not a …


The Beacon, September 24, 2021, The Beacon Staff Sep 2021

The Beacon, September 24, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Stegenga Hall celebrates 25 years; Scooter’s set to open in the fall; Emotional journey through listeners’ pasts; A new success for the seemingly unstoppable Marvel; Delve deeper past the superficial top layer of life; Charlotte’s Web: a children’s welcome back to theater; Scholarship luncheon returns; New artist in residence: Dr. Flynn; The Bible embraces difference; Do not homeschool your kids; Hot Takes: Which Skittle flavor is best and why?; NW men’s soccer bests Briar Cliff for first time since 2018; NW football dominates Doane in homecoming game; Women’s soccer drops homecoming game against Briar Cliff; Dedication of Vogel Welcome Center; …


The Beacon, September 10, 2021, The Beacon Staff Sep 2021

The Beacon, September 10, 2021, The Beacon Staff

The Beacon, 2021-2022

Psychology gains married professors; Imagine Dragons without an identity; The coveter of spots has been redressed; Barker honoring 9/11 with September Bears; Connell to mentor future NW band members; Draayer directs Intercultural Department; Students spent summer serving in Haiti; Northwestern and the vaccine; Christians and conditional love; Hot Takes: How do you eat your string cheese?; Women’s basketball welcomes new head coach; Raiders defeat Broncos in home football opener; Raiders soccer hosts Pizza Ranch Classic home opener; New semester brings more normalcy; Campus IJM chapter


School Improvement Plan, Taylor Anderson Jul 2021

School Improvement Plan, Taylor Anderson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Students in schools display a variety of behaviors. Some of these behaviors being negative, and some of these behaviors being positive. This school improvement plan will give you a small glimpse at a Title 1 elementary school with a goal of decreasing the amount of times a student has to be removed from the classroom, or receives a first responder call. A first responder call is when an adult in the building has to call for additional adult support due to a student's behaviors. This project will start with a literature review of multiple articles discussing social skills, and the …