Digital Commons Network^™

Improving The Writing Skills For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Gifted Students Through The Use Of Development Processes, Mary Helen Freeman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The intent of this practicum was to increase third, fourth and fifth grade gifted and talented students’ exposure to the writing process. Nine behavioral objectives were identified. They were: (1) demonstrating more prolifically and mechanically correct narratives, (2) demonstrating more positive feelings toward writing, (3) increasing the number of words used in a narrative, (4) completing a publication-ready narrative, (5) increasing selection of words in a narrative, (6) indicating success in having a written work published, (7) reporting self-improvement in the writing process, (8) increasing ability to inform their readers, and (9) demonstrating a desire to write.

Developmental writing lessons …

Increasing Literacy Development Of At-Risk Kindergarten Students Through Cross-Age Tutoring, Marlene Henriques

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed, through a cross-age tutoring program, to increase emergent literacy skills of at-risk kindergarten children. The objectives were to increase letter recognition, book awareness skills, pre-reading strategies, and pre-writing strategies in the targeted students. In a structured program, the fifth and sixth grade tutors met with the tutees for 30 minutes twice a week for a three month period.

The writer administered qualitative and quantitative pretests which documented the lack of literacy development of at-risk kindergartners. The writer held workshops to train the tutors in reading and writing strategies, developed a schedule of structured activities to complete …

Field Test Of A Preschool, Substance-Abuse-Prevention Curriculum Planned For County-Wide Distribution, Kate Howze

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to field test a preschool, substance-abuse-prevention curriculum that had been developed by the writer, had been approved by an oversight panel of professionals, but never had been implemented with a preschool population. Curriculum content areas include enhancement of self-esteem and positive peer relationships, and factual information about drugs. The curriculum is to be disseminated free to all county preschools and child care centers.

The writer prepared the curriculum for use by adding photos, sketches and typesetting copy; trained teachers in use of the curriculum; pre- and post tested children in the curriculum content areas; obtained evaluations …

Empowering Learning Disabled Students Through Direct Interventions In The Classroom, Dorothy Gleberman

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This: practicum was designed to empower six severe learning disabled students In the district's self-contained program for the middle grades. These students exhibited a cluster of observable behaviors that reflected their poor self- concept, external locus of control, and poor social skills. These behaviors and attitudes were detrimental to their learning and success in school.

The writer restructured the self-contained class from a teacher-directed one to a student-directed one that provided dally leadership roles and changed the Instructional Bode from traditional to cooperative. The students were also provided direct instruction In social skills, learning, and learning disabilities, In collaboration with …

A Cross-Age Tutoring Program To Raise Self-Esteem In Learning Disabled, Regular And Gifted Elementary School Students, Marian J. King

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was originally designed to provide teachers with a means of enhancing the self-esteem of learning disabled (LD) students by using them as cross-age tutors in a Kindergarten class. It was assumed that, by engaging them to help younger students, LD tutors would experience a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth, and therefore develop a sense of being capable, useful, and appreciated. It was further assumed that this more positive self-esteem would lead to a healthier social, emotional and intellectual self-perception and behavior. As the project developed, other students (regular and gifted, including whole 5th and 6th grade classes) asked …

Evaluating Student Learning In Language Arts In The Primary Grades Through Whole Language Assessment Techniques, Diana Deshazo Hyde

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum sought to measure and document real learning in natural circumstances through the use of whole language assessment techniques: Observation checklists on which skills for the language arts (writing, spelling, reading) were listed; the skills of students were measured using descriptor words such as stable, evident, and not evident. In this way, a student’s progress along the road of literacy development was plotted in a positive way.

A reading behavior form was also included. This classified students into one of three learning groups, according to the answers given to a list of seven questions; emphasis was on behavior and …

Developing And Implementing A Transition To High School Program For Incoming, At-Risk, Ninth-Grade Students To Increase School Success, Patrick R. Monahan

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to assist incoming. at-risk, 9th-grade students to acquire the knowledge, motivation, interest, and skills necessary to make a successful transition to the writer's school. The major outcomes were to reduced the number of disciplinary infractions, to decrease school absences, to involve more students in school-related activities, and to increase student awareness of study skills, career education services, and counseling assistance.

The writer analyzed students records: examined possible solution strategies; developed and implemented a 10-component program geared to meet the needs of the at-risk 9th-grade students. The solution strategy utilized teachers, students, counselors, and parents to ease …

Using Environmental Print Media To Enhance Third Grade Children’S Reading And Writing Abilities, Rhoda Orenstein

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

A course of study was designed by the writer to enhance the effectiveness of the traditional third grade reader and workpack as instructional tools. The goal was to create, in the targeted third grade students, a familiarity with the purpose and function of varied print media available within the community, thereby creating a foundation upon which the students could base their understanding of the settings, themes, and experiences of the traditional third grace reader.

The writer created a program that utilized varied print media and speakers from within the students' school and community environment. Classroom cooperative learning centers were established. …

Improving The Awareness Of The Influence Of Geography Upon Historical Events In Ancient Mesopotamia And In Ancient Egypt In Ninth Grade World History Students, Henry B. Milton

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to incorporate the study of geography into a ninth grade world history with the aim of improving a student’s awareness of the influence of geography upon the historical development of ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. By means of a questionnaire and map tests prepared by the writer, it was determined that ninth grade world history students had little awareness of the influence of geography upon historical development in ancient Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, and could not locate those places regarded as being historically significant in either of those two ancient civilizations.

During the course of implementation, …

Improving The Keyboarding Composition Skills Of Secondary Business Education Students Through A Structured Approach, Gay E. Parker

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to improve the student's manual keyboarding composition skill. Traditionally, students learn to keyboard from material that is already typed or handwritten and seldom have opportunities to learn the advanced skill of composition keyboarding. Inherent in learning this skill are other requisite skills of well written composition, accurate punctuation and grammar, and fastidious proofreading.

This writer developed a program to integrate these skills in a structured, progressive plan. To develop the manual skill, the students were dictated questions requiring one letter responses, progressing to full-paragraph responses as demonstrated each day in a 5 minute warm-up journal writing. …

A Therapeutic Program To Improve The Body Image Of Pre-Puberty Exceptional Education Girls, Linda Jo Pfeiffer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum focused upon the design and implementation of a body Image improvement program for severely emotionally disturbed (SED), latency-aged girls. Seven latency-aged girls In a self-contained, SED program participated one time per week In Individual art therapy and group sessions. The program Incorporated therapeutic art activities with verbal Interactions and utilized human growth films, cooperative learning techniques, and child care personnel from outside agencies.

The writer developed a therapeutic program designed to address concerns and problems encountered by latency-aged girls and especially those whose developmental progress has been hampered by both abuse and emotional handicapping conditions. Major Issues addressed …

The Articulation Process: A Model For Transition From Middle School To High School For Exceptional Education Students, Carol Rees Jellie

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was deigned to coordinate and standardize the articulation process between the junior high school feeder schools and the secondary center school for exceptional education students. Meetings, and inservice sessions were conducted with counselors, parents, teachers and students to increase the understanding of the criteria for placement of exceptional educational students.

The writer developed an articulation time structure; designed appropriate transition forms; evaluated student referral information; and administered a post registration survey of the articulation process.

Analysts of the data revealed that the standardization of articulation was successful process and that referrals for transition to secondary school better met …

Improving Negative Behavior In Adolescent Pupils Through Collaborative Initiatives, Elvie Rhone

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The aim of this practicum was to decrease the number of adolescent pupils who exhibited negative behavior. It also attempted to involve others as change agents.

Group guidance sessions were designed in collaboration with teachers, parents, high school counselors, administrators and community agencies. Twelve sessions were held weekly with emphasis on self-esteem, role Models, character building, and appropriate behavior. Teacher mentors were used to enhance the program. Data was collected before and after the duration of the sessions. Teacher behavior checklists, interviews, questionnaires, needs assessments, and self-evaluations were employed.

All of the outcomes were achieved. The number of pupils exhibiting …

An Informational Networking And Referral Efficacy Project On Attention Disorders, Add And Adhd: A Design To Advance Student Adjustment In The School Setting, Janice Masters

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum addressed the need to educate school staff and professionals on attention disorders and develop a state-of-the-art referral process system. Untreated students with attention disorders exhibited poor study habits, academic failure, unacceptable behavior. and were subsequent high-at risk of completing high school The implications of untreated moderate-to-severe ADD/ADHD are that the taxpayers cannot afford the high com of failure.

The project was designed and developed by the writer to help students suspected with attention disorders. ADD ADHD, to become identified hy school staff and professionals who referred them for a multimodal assessment. It aimed at helping such students who …

Developing An Active Media Center In A Jewish Day School K-8 Through Creative Management, Rhona Singer

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to develop an active media center. The primary goal was to create a dynamic, functional facility with an interdisciplinary library skills program for students in kindergarten to grade eight in a private Jewish day school. Additional goals were to incorporate volunteer service in order to organize the library collection.

Eight months of implementation at the target school integrated library skills with the development of the media center. The previously colorless facility became alive with mobiles and student artwork and projects. Chess games enlivened recess periods. Observation checklists. quizzes, questionnaires, as well as frequent statistic counts were …

Designing And Implementing A Program To Increase The Amount And Quality Of Contact Time Of High School Age Learning Disabled Students And Their Parents With Guidance Counselors, Ira Weiss

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum was designed to address the problem of learning handicapped secondary school students ana their parents who have limited contact with their guidance counselors. The intervention purported to make a group of high school age learning disabled students and their parents more knowledgeable about academic requirements for graduation, postsecondary education, vocational options ana community services. It also sought to train ana sensitize a group of high school guidance counselors to the needs of special education students ana their families.

The writer developed a three-month program of structured weekly activities for the students, each focusing on a particular theme. Guidance …

Empowering Parents To Become Reading Models For Their Young Children., Barbara Widdicombe

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to increase the amount of time parents spent reading aloud at home to their four-year-old children. It also attempted to increase the parents' modeling of reading themselves for pleasure. These changes would serve to enhance the young children's literacy development.

The writer developed newsletters to provide parents with information about the benefits of reading to their children. A classroom lending library was created to provide parents with developmentally appropriate books to read to their children. Popular magazines were made available to parents to enable the parents to model pleasurable reading. Data was collected through the use …

Improving The Effectiveness Of Science Laboratory Instruction For Elementary Students Through The Use Of A Process Approach For Change., Wanda S. Vorsino

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum endeavored to improve science laboratory instruction for elementary students. The major goal of the practicum was to facilitate laboratory use so that teachers would incorporate laboratory experiences as an integral component in science instruction.

To improve the instructional significance of the science laboratory, the writer developed and initiated a MAPS change process model (Motivation, Alternatives, Planning, Sharing) in collaboration with representative teachers. The committee acted in a leadership capacity to develop goal commitment, formulate strategic action plans, communicate a shared vision, resolve implementation obstacles and monitor progress. Implementation included in-service training in effective science teaching strategies, coordination of …

Enhancing And Facilitating Individualized Learning Capabilities Of Kindergarten Students Through The Integration Of Cost-Effective Instructional Practices, Elaine Van Lue

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The writer designed cost-effective, adaptable and developmentally appropriate learning packet activities to meet the differing needs of students in the kindergarten classroom and the home environment. Students chose a learning packet to take home each week and through collaboration with parents, attitudes toward learning and achievement efforts of students were improved. Opportunities for students, parents, and teachers to work together increased the quality of educational activities offered in the home and school.

Materials considered for use were designed by incorporating the logic of children's thinking skills at different stages of development. Positive feedback of student success was provided for students …

Implementing Creativity And Artistic Programming For Troubled Children And Youth To Enhance Emotional, Social And Academic Growth., Van Earl Wallace Iii.

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to provide individualized and group opportunities to teachers and troubled students in the area of artistic and creative interventions. Implementation focused on individualized student interventions and group formats. In-services and presentations were designed and presented at school, district, college, university and hospital settings.

Instructional workshops and presentations were provided while concurrently working with students on a daily basis using a wide variety of creative formats. Information was specified to educator needs. The writer coordinated with the Very Special Arts of Florida, chapter in conducting in-services and in holding a county-wide art festival for troubled children and …

Increasing Parent Involvement In The Reevaluation Process Of High School Level Special Education Students By Accommodating Scheduled Meeting Times Valuing Parent Input And Sensitizing Parents And Staff To The Needs And The Rights Of Handicapped Students, Larry Taylor

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The practicum was designed to address the problem of relatively few parents involving themselves in the reevaluation process of high school level special education students. The intervention sought to increase parent involvement in the development of their child’s academic and career/vocational programs.

The writer developed a three-month program and designed a comprehensive system which included personal attempts to get parents to attend reevaluation meetings. This design also incorporated a component where parents’ input in decision making was welcomed. Both parent training and staff training were conducted and deemed important parts of not just a short term solution to increase attendance …

Instructional Use Of Computers For Entry-Level Physical Therapy Education In The United States, Edmund M. Kosmahl

CCAC Theses and Dissertations

Little was known about the value of computer assisted instruction (CAl) for entry-level physical therapy (PT) education. Factors that affect implementation and use of CAl in entry-level PT education had not been identified. Because of this paucity of information, decision-making about the implementation and use of CAl in entry-level PT education had been hampered.

This study used mail questionnaire survey methods to find:

1. The extent of use of computer-assisted instruction (CAl) in entry-level physical therapy (PT) education.
2. The perceived value of CAl compared to more traditional instructional methods for entry-level PT education.
3. What factors affect implementation and use of CAl …

Program To Decrease Obesity Of Mentally Retarded Adults, Joye Jeffries Pugh

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This report explains a program for decreasing obesity of mentally retarded adults served by a mental retardation service center in a southern rural community. Problems originally noticed included enormous body weights of clients, obesity-related diseases, a lack of exercise programming, and failure to participate in Special Olympics.

An analysis of the clients' Individual Physical Data Bases revealed body weights 20X or more over the average for a person's age, build, sex, and height. According to the client medical reports, 50% of the obese clients suffered from medical disorders created by their obesity. A review of the Individual Service Plans indicated …

Teaching The Cultures Of Francophone Countries To High School French Students Through Group Activities, Brenda J. Pulliam

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum addresses the need to improve the cultural proficiency of high school students studying French. The writer developed and implemented a twelve-week unit designed to teach the cultures of francophone countries to 20 randomly selected first-level students.

The writer developed and administered a survey and a pretest to determine the difficulty of students to demonstrate knowledge of and appreciation for French-speaking countries and people. Individual and group activities and a posttest measured the outcomes of the implementation.

Analysis of the evaluation data indicated an improvement in students’ level of cultural proficiency. They displayed an increase ability to recognize and …

Improving The Science Performance Of Bilingual Fourth Graders Through Additional Services, Marguerite L. Hutchins

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to determine if additional services to bilingual Hispanic fourth graders would increase their academic achievement in process method physical science curriculum.

Each day 21 bilingual Hispanic boys and girls received 15 minutes of intensive tutoring which concentrated on reviewing the concepts of the previous day and introducing the vocabulary and ideas of the next lesson. During these sessions the students were encouraged to put their understanding into oral and written language. In addition. an effort was made to determine and correct misconceptions about the topics in physical science as soon as they appeared. Toward this objective …

Improving Performance In Mathematical Problem Solving Of Fifth-Grade Students Through Use Of Calculators And Extension Of Time Spent Solving Problems Into The Natural Environment Of The Students., June S. Clarke

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

This practicum was designed to improve performance in solving mathematical word problems by fifth-grade students by decreasing anxiety and increasing numeracy, text comprehension, and time spent on solving problems.

The writer created a Parent Problem Solving Packet to involve parents in an attempt to create more time spent on solving non routine problems outside of class. Calculator activities were planned and executed in the classroom in order that the time usually 1pent in repetitive computation could be used in mathematical problem solving A Calculator Club which met after school was established. The Club field test activities for use in the …

Prereferral Intervention Strategies Utilized With High-Risk Students In A Primary Grade Setting, Linda S. Levine-Brown

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education ETD Archive

The goal of this practicum was to develop and implement a program of prereferral intervention strategies utilized with high-risk students in a first grade setting. The program was designed to maximize their performance levels and assist in avoiding the possibility of retention and/or referral for exceptional student education.

Ten students were targeted to receive this intervention program. The children were provided one hour instructional periods three times per week for a period of 12 weeks. A multi-modality approach was applied utilizing visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile approaches to learning. Major emphasis was placed on teacher and program collaboration. Weekly meetings …

Interview With Peter Drucker, Dr. Joseph M. Juran Collection

'An Immigrant's Gift': Interviews about the Life and Impact of Dr. Joseph M. Juran

No abstract provided.

Interview With Steve Jobs, Dr. Joseph M. Juran Collection

'An Immigrant's Gift': Interviews about the Life and Impact of Dr. Joseph M. Juran

No abstract provided.

The Nova Knight Volume Ii: Issue Viii, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.