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Integrating The Literature And Social Studies Curriculum, Christa S. Lynch

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews the historical development of curriculum integration, examining the relationship between literature and social studies and offers an original instructional unit based on this research. The literature will illustrate how, throughout American history, Progressives argued for integration of subjects but under some opposition from their contemporaries. An examination of recent literature will then demonstrate how and why curriculum integration is currently used.

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy As An Intervention For Young Children, Lisa Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

Young children can benefit from therapy to deal with disabilities, abuse, normal developmental issues such as famiily problems, and social-emotional issues. One approach to helping children manage psychological issues is bibliotherapy. In its simplest form, bibliotherapy can be described as the practice of using books in treatment, or helping with books (Pardeck & Pardeck, 1993; Pardeck & Pardeck, 1987). The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on bibliotherapy and to examine its possible applications, its effectiveness, and best practices in carrying out the intervention.

Teaching Nctm Standards Through Subject Areas In The Kindergarten Classroom, Elizabeth Tata O'Neil

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers are being expected to provide a full range of experiences for their students. But in reality, many early childhood programs have reading readiness and literacy as the only focus. In many situations, mathematics instruction is an afterthought. Many students are not given quality instruction because little time in the school day is left, once language arts instruction is completed. This is even more true for students in half-day programs.

One way to alleviate this disparity is to incorporate math instruction within other subject areas. This can be achieved if teachers are educated in the National Council of Teachers of …

Aggression In The Classroom, Heid Reaman

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined how aggression in the classroom influenced the learning climate. Types of aggression and causal factors were discussed. Guidelines for teachers on the successful management of student aggression were presented. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature, and recommendations were made to help teachers in the classroom by improving their skills concerning student aggression.

Raising Cultural Awareness In The Elementary Classroom Through African-American Children's Literature, Kirsten Seebeck

Graduate Research Papers

This research project topic was selected because of the need for raised cultural awareness in elementary classrooms, as indicated in current research findings. I chose African-American literature because in this region of the United States, Iowa in particular, the classrooms tend to be largely homogenous. Children who are from African-American descent find themselves to be in the minority in their classroom settings.

These children are not seeing many other children like themselves in their school community. It is therefore important that they see themselves in the literature shared within this community, in order to help them to relate to their …

The Production Of A School District Video For Promotional Purposes, Rodney R. Zehr

Graduate Research Papers

Video production for educational purposes is becoming more popular in American schools today because of the advancement of technology. With the development of digital cameras, digital video, and various forms of digital-editing software for the computer, American schools can now tap into a new and growing form of media that will continue to grow in popularity as technology continues to advance in the future. 1 The video project for the Mason City Community School District in Mason City, Iowa was initiated as a graduate project through the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This project was started because …

Literature Review : Using Humor With Children, Carol J. Aswegen Thornhill

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to explore and review the literature on humor, particularly as it relates to interactions with children. Often adults, whether they are parents or teachers, devalue the use of humor in dealing with children. Research supports that humor is a beneficial component of social interactions, especially with children. Studies have shown that children are receptive to humor beginning at very young ages, and that their sense of humor is developed and finely tuned as they mature. Findings show that by using humor in social situations, stress levels can be de-escalated, defensive reactions are reduced--which in …

Fifth Grade Website: Improving Leaming Through The Use Of The Web, Brent Thiessen

Graduate Research Papers

The Internet has improved the way that information can be presented to students in an educational setting. Teachers have taken advantage of improving education through the Internet by creating their own websites. However, some of these websites are not created in a way that allows them to be used effectively by students .. The author of this paper has created a website that will be used with his fifth grade students entitled The Fifth Grade Website (http://homepage.mac.com/brthiessen). The goal of the website is to enhance the educational experience of the students who use it. The website was designed in a …

Second Language Learning With Computer Software, Sonia Uppal

Graduate Research Papers

This article addresses diversity in the classrooms and the need for technology for English language learners. Language acquisition and English language learning are overviewed with highlights of the different stages in language learning and various methods used for language. Integrating the role of technology in learning English as a second language is presented as a practical way in which to instruct English language learners. However, selection of software is seen as a critical aspect of effectively using technology for English language instruction. Various important aspects for evaluating a software program for English language learners are presented. A software evaluation form …

The Effects Of Using Computer-Assisted Learning To Teach Multiplication, Brian Unruh

Graduate Research Papers

This case study investigated the effects of using computer-assisted learning (CAL) while teaching multiplication facts to 32 third-graders. This quasi-experimental study spanned a six-week period and was analyzed using a variety of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Among these qualitative techniques were participant observation and formal and informal interviews. The quantitative component included document analysis of three separate instruments. This study demonstrated a low correlation between the use of CAL and recall skills. However, students felt comfortable and enthusiastic working with the computer. In addition to the excitement, students felt significantly more confident and successful using the computer. There was evidence …

Picture Books About Korea And Korean Americans, Jongsun Wee

Graduate Research Papers

Multicultural literature is beneficial to children to understand different cultures diversity in the global world. Koreans started to immigrate to the United States beginning in 1902. In spite of a lengthy Korean American immigration history, few children· s books portray Korea and Korean Americans. This study overviewed picture books about Korea and Korean Americans available in local libraries and universities and identified cultural values and themes in the Korean American picture books. This study also examined authenticity and stereotyping in the Korean American picture books. Few pictures books about Korea and Korean American have been published over the past 40 …

The Portrayal Of Mentally Ill Characters In Young Adult Fiction, Marilyn E. Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Interaction with mentally and emotionally disabled classmates creates a need for students to better understand their fellow adolescents. They need to be able to read about peers with mental illness. Mentally ill students must also be able to read about others that experience their same or similar conditions. What they read needs to be accurate. It was the purpose of this research to investigate whether adolescents with mental or emotional disabilities were accurately portrayed in contemporary fiction books for readers ages 12- 18. This problem was addressed through content analysis in a quantitative study. The population contained 25 randomly selected …

Creating A User Friendly Website For The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Black Hawk County, Kimberly M. Carter

Graduate Research Papers

Website design can be overwhelming for many viewers. Many times viewers discontinue using sites, because it.is not easy to navigate through the site. In creating the website for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Black Hawk County, user-friendliness was the focal point of the project. The Chief Professional Officer along with the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs assisted with the development of a website by providing information that was to be included on the site. To ensure a professional look the designer relied on the four basic principles of design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. The design simplicity …

Content Analysis Of Children’S Literature Depiction Of Modern Agriculture, David William Mixdorf

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate children's books and determine if they are portraying agricultural changes over the last 100 years, and whether the different revolutions of farming (horse, tractor, and technology) and alternative methods of farming are being represented.

The population of books examined were picture books, juvenile fiction, and informational books appropriate for K-6th grade. The population was limited to books published between 1982-2002, the United States as the geographical setting, and the main focus of the story was a farm setting. Fifty books were randomly selected from specific subject headings. The researcher discovered that modem …

The Effects Of Reading Poetry In Library Classes On Circulation Of The Library’S Poetry Collection, Mary Musselman

Graduate Research Papers

Many of the elementary poetry books on the shelves of the Manson Northwest Webster Barnum Center library in Barnum, Iowa were not being checked out by students. By reading poetry from those books to third and fourth graders during library time the librarian hoped to stimulate interest in those poetry books and increase circulation of them. After keeping track of the poetry book circulation before and after reading poetry to the groups, the reading did in fact increase the circulation of the poetry books significantly at the .05 level.

Using The Instructional Computing Design Process To Introduce And Incorporate The Boys Town Social Skills, Marcus R. Kurtz

Graduate Research Papers

The following paper takes an inside look on how to use the Instructional Computing Design process to create instructional software that focuses on the Boys Town Social Skills. Within the planning, designing, and development of this multimedia project, the paper will also concentrate on the projects standards, management of the project, and an ongoing evaluation of the project. A great amount of discussion in the paper focuses on how to develop software that is used to instruct and guide learners using the Boys Town Social Skills. Each step of the ICD process will be described to reveal how the Boys …

Linking The Literacy Curriculum With Technology, Scot J. Surprenant

Graduate Research Papers

Evaluating the process and needs of linking literacy and technology in the educational setting. The technology is presented as the driving force of change in the literacy. Teachers, administrators, and parents need to formulate a plan for training sessions along with organizing supportive people around them to integrate technology into the curriculum. They need to design professional development to empower teachers to use technology, in the curriculum. Understanding that students are exposed to multimedia literacy, technology will be a medium to motivate and synthesize learning. Teachers facilitate students to be responsible and empowered learners for their own learning. There is …

Trends, Patterns, And Characteristics Of Young Adult Horror Fiction, Melissa A. Buelow

Graduate Research Papers

The characteristics of young adult horror fiction include literary conventions, incidents and patterns that are unique to the genre and appealing to the reader. This researcher investigated the trends, patterns, and conventions of young adult novels which make these novels appealing to the reader. This researcher made this investigation using a quantitative content analysis of the young adult horror literature. The researcher chose the books based on the availability of the book, by using the keywords horror, supernatural, occult, gothic, and vampire. The whole book was then analyzed for the trends, patterns, and conventions which it contained.

Understanding Brain-Based Instruction And The Technology Connection For Improved Teaching And Learning, Tammy Wawro

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to give educators a brief description of the parts of the brain, the implications of the brain on learning, and an understanding of how technology can help in this way of teaching and learning. Many experienced and well respected brain researcher's works are cited as examples and used as references, including but not limited to Slywester, Jensen, and Kovalik. By utilizing what researchers have found, and integrating their own experience and knowledge, educators can find best practices that will help to promote student learning.

When The Wildebeest Gets Your Berries : Adolescent Anger Management, Patresa A. Hartman

Graduate Research Papers

This study presents a review of literature regarding adolescent anger management. Problematic anger is defined as externalizing or internalizing behaviors that occur frequently enough and at a high enough level of intensity to: (1) disrupt one's everyday functioning at school, home, and/or in the community; and (2) impair one's relationships with others and one's own self-concept. The causes can be traced to a myriad of possible sources: cognitive problems; developmental problems; chronic irritability, agitation, volatility, or mood instability; or environmental stressors.

This review of studies regarding adolescent anger management programs leads to the following suggestions for school psychologists: (1) understand …

Iowa Journal Of Communication, Volume 34, Number 2, Fall 2002 [Download Entire Issue]

Iowa Journal of Communication

No abstract provided.

Positive And Negative Effects Of Television Viewing In Early Childhood, Rachel R. Morris

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to examine the positive and negative effects of television viewing. in early childhood. Benefits, as well as problems,associated with television viewing were discussed. Guidelines to assist parents for using media in positive ways that.match a child's developmental levels and needs were presented. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations made to complement the developmental level of the young child.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven A. Winters

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine how the role of the administration, teachers, community, and students, communication, staff development, and safety all affect the school's climate and culture. As Lyman (2000) found, the "culture of a school has important and far-reaching effects on the thinking and actions of students and teachers" (p. 145).

Vocabulary : A Building Block In Reading, Lisa L. Capper

Graduate Research Papers

From all of my reading and research, I learned that vocabulary is an essential part of teaching. In all of the curriculum areas, knowledge of vocabulary is important. With word understanding, comprehension grows and so does the student's knowledge.

Vocabulary development activities not only include many opportunities for students to be actively involved with reading a variety of books, but, through vocabulary instruction, the teacher directly teaches important words and strategies to help students understand what they are reading. Through the use of a variety of strategies I observed how different strategies can help students learn and grow in their …

Meeting The Needs Of Gifted Primary Readers, Lori K. Deboer

Graduate Research Papers

Today's classrooms consist of students with a diverse range of social, emotional, and academic abilities. There are young children who enter school already knowing how to read or who learn quickly after they begin their education. Current literature seems to indicate that primary reading curricula in schools are not meeting these students' needs. This project was developed as one method to meet the needs of gifted primary readers.

The project consists of 10 books that were selected to challenge and address the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of gifted primary readers. For each book a series of discussion questions and …

Dvd Technology For Educational Purposes, Donald J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is about the technology of the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Provided is a brief overview of information in the area of DVD technology world, the evolution of DVD technology, areas that have enhanced educational advancement, and directions to be explored.

Emergence And Mortality Of Native Prairie Forbs Seeded Into An Established Stand Of Grasses, Dave Williams

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Thousands of hectares of warm-season grass plantings in Iowa have few to no native forbs. Diversifying these species poor plant communities with native prairie forbs could result in increased resistance to climatic extremes, increased biodiversity, reduced noxious "weedy" plant invasion, and reduced geographic isolation between existing native prairie remnants.

I hypothesized that frequent mowing in the first one or two years after broadcasting forb seed into an established stand of warm-season grasses can increase forb emergence and reduce forb mortality. I further hypothesized that fall seeded forbs would establish better that those seeded in spring.

To test my hypothesis, I …

Organophosphorous Insecticide Contamination In Streams: Insects As Bioindicators, Brian M. Andersen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Organophosphorous (OP) insecticides are widely used around the world to control pests. These insecticides can enter streams and rivers and impact nontarget aquatic organisms by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (ACE), a nervous system enzyme necessary for normal behavior and survival. However, these contamination events are usually brief and often missed by chemical analyses attempting to detect OP insecticides. Although ACE activity has been used as a bioindicator of OP insecticide exposure in humans and wildlife for many years, few studies have investigated using aquatic insect ACE activity as a potential bioindicator of OP insecticide contamination in streams. This study used the mayfly …

Academic Attribution Style Of Tenth Grade Students With Attachment Problems, Kimberly Conrad

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a relationship between attachment and attribution in adolescents. The question that will be answered in this study is is there a relationship between attachment (as measured by the Adolescent Attachment Questionnaire) and attribution ( as measured by the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire). There is not enough data in the literature at the present time to clearly support that there is a relationship. Data were collected by using two instruments, Adolescent Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ), (West, Rose, Spreng, Sheldon-Keller, & Adam, 1998), and Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire (Crandall, Katkovosky, & Crandall, …

Effect Of Tio₂-Mediated Photocatalytic Degradation On The Toxicity Of Orange Ii, Arnaud Eric Nicolas Goutard

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

C.I. Acid Orange 7 (15510) is the sodium salt of p-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphtalenyl)azo] benzenesulfonic acid. This azo dye is commonly known as Orange II and has been used to dye soaps, shoes, wood and paper (Ramchandani et al., 1994). In the United States and Europe, this dye is not allowed in foodstuffs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency of a TiO2-mediated photocatalytic oxidation process to degrade Orange II and to determine if Orange II is cytotoxic to certain types of cells. The role of UV radiation and TiO2 particles were examined, as well as the importance of oxygen …