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Writing Workshop For Eighth-Grade Students: A Descriptive Study, Jann Thompson Knight

Graduate Research Papers

This descriptive study was conducted to document and describe the implementation of a writing workshop program in an eighth-grade classroom. The success of this workshop approach to writing instruction was determined through evaluation of growth in written work as well as measurement of changes in student attitudes toward writing. Significant growth in the area of writing development was demonstrated by the students participating in the writing workshop program. Positive changes in attitudes toward writing were also reflected in the data collected as part of this study.

Experiences With Predictable Text In A Chapter I Reading Program, Rona R. Loss

Graduate Research Papers

Nurturing children's emerging literacy is currently a well-publicized goal for schools. Much concern is expressed by educators and the public for students who finish their education without acquiring language abilities that will support them in their adult life. Educators are recognizing that literacy emerges at an early age, long before children come to school. Educators are building school reading and writing programs on the oral and written language experiences children bring to school. As in their preschool years, children in school instruction should have opportunities to use language in ways that are purposeful, meaningful, and natural within the structure of …

Factors Associated With Teacher Education Faculty Employing The Use Of Computers/Cai In Their Teaching, Winston Mayers

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to find out what factors influence teacher education faculty to use computers/CAI in their teaching. Thirty (30) elementary and secondary Methods of Teaching faculty from the College of Education of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) were randomly selected and interviewed using an interview protocol. Participants were categorized as Direct Users (n=9), Indirect Users (n=l2), and Non-Users (n=9). Interviews were held with each participant lasting for approximately thirty (30) minutes each. Factors which seem to influence computer/CAI use were subject area taught, having a computer at home, willingness to take risks, experience with computers, …

Religious And Spiritual Elements In Young Adult Literature: A Content Analysis, Patricia C. Rosenberg

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to use content analysis to focus on the nature of traditional religious and spiritual elements in young adult fiction books.

Thirty-two books from ALA/s "Best of the Best Books 1966-1986" were read, and eight religious contexfs were checked. The findings revealed over one half of the books included moderate traditional religious contexts. About three fourths of the religious contexts were positive, but over one half of them were also negative. Most of the negatives were applied to religious workers and participants in religion. The one book which had strong religious context was totally negative. …

Selected Personal Health And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Elementary School Physical Educators In Iowa, Ann Renae Arms

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to ascertain selected personal health and physical activity behaviors of elementary school physical educators in Iowa. Specifically, the following behaviors were considered: eating behaviors, sleeping behaviors, physical activity behaviors, substance abuse behaviors, driving behaviors, and medical care behaviors. Inherent sub-problems investigated include the following:

1. The relationship of gender to personal health and physical activity behaviors.

2. The relationship of age to personal health and physical activity behaviors.

The Effect Of A Suicide Prevention Program On Degree Of Suicide Risk Potential, Kristi D. Speicher

Graduate Research Papers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a suicide prevention program on the degree of suicide risk potential of ninth grade girls enrolled in two health education classes at Independence High School, Independence, KS. The study was descriptive in nature. The Suicide Screening Checklist (SSC) was the questionnaire given to both groups of students during the regular classroom session. First semester health students answered the SSC after completing the suicide prevention unit. Second semester health students answered the SSC without taking the suicide prevention unit. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the two semester …

Communicating Teacher Expectations To Students, Susan A.H. Smith

Graduate Research Papers

One can hardly begin research in the area of teacher expectations without beginning with Pygmalion in the Classroom, Rosenthal and Jacobson's 1968 study at the Oak School. Although debate continues as to the significance of the results it is important to note the innovations that this research generated. The education profession has been sensitized to the idea that teacher expectations may influence student performance. Research continues that may validate or disprove this notion. Good (1987) summarized much of the current research. In this 1987 research review he looked at self-fulfilling prophecy, how teachers formed expectations and several models for indirect …

Reading In The Preschool, Mary C. Simons

Graduate Research Papers

Reading is the process of getting meaning from, or making sense of print (Anderson, 1969; Thorne, 1988). As quoted in Gallasch (1982), Goodman said "The reader starts with a graphic display, printed or handwritten, and if he is successful, he ends with meaning, a reconstruction of the writer's message" (p. 19 ). The critical component in reading is comprehension (Bromley, 1988; Goodman, 1982; Thorne, 1988). It is not enough to recognize or name a word. "The task is to get the underlying structures, to get at the meaning, and to constantly keep the meaning in mind" (Goodman, 1971, p. 7).

A Program Teachers Can Establish To Help Persuade Parents To Read Frequently To Their Children, Maureen Gilhooley Walker

Graduate Research Papers

The teaching of reading begins before formal schooling. It begins before age five and before nine o'clock in the morning (Clark 1976). It starts with the first story that is read to the child and builds from there. A problem occurs when parents do not see the role of reading to their children as vital, and thus do not read to them frequently. Teachers should not only read to their students, but also convince parents that "they stand at the center of their children's educational world" (Smith 1990). Reading to children is an important aspect of reading development and success. …

Revising And Editing In Writing Workshops : Teacher-Student Conferencing, Peer Conferencing, Self-Conferencing, Miriam Baker

Graduate Research Papers

In the past ten years there have been major changes in the area of writing instruction. Calkins (1986), Graves (1983), Atwell (1987) and others have promoted the writing process where students choose to write about their own topics, conference about their work with teachers and peers, make revisions, edit, and publish. The process is often called Writers' Workshop with the emphasis placed on the individual writer's interests, skills, and needs. It has become an integral part of the Whole Language approach to the teaching of reading and writing.

Assessing Children's Emerging Literacy Through Anecdotal Records, Reva R. Arends

Graduate Research Papers

Implementing the whole language concept into an instructional program involves a change in the assessment of student growth. With the focus on student involvement in the language processes to nurture language abilities, the traditional formal measures, usually standardized tests, are inappropriate. They report in quantitative terms a child's mastery of language fragments. Little information is acquired about how a child creates meaning within the structure of a whole unit--a story or poem

Extending The Whole Language Concept Through A Thematic Unit, Susan Carlson Nothwehr

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of integrating the language arts program through a literature base representative of the different genres. From the supporting professional references that will be cited, a unit utilizing these implications for instruction will be offered. The unit that illustrates the process of instructional development is Fun and Games and is appropriate for the upper elementary grade levels.

Extending The Literature Base Of A Middle School Reading Program Through Thematic Units, Marjorie M. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

This study will examine the rationale for a literature-based approach to teaching reading in the middle school language arts classroom to replace the basal reader approach. The purpose for implementing a literature-based program is to provide students with quality literature as a model of language, time to engage in the reading process, and the opportunities to discuss ideas generated in the process of reading. Objectives and instructional implications for such a program will be explored from a theoretical basis.

Developing Literacy Programs For The Gifted Reader In First Grade, Judith Olson

Graduate Research Papers

Early primary children present a unique challenge to educators. They are eager to learn, to find out, to do, to shape, and to create. Children are learning information through eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and fingers. They are assimilating knowledge, perceiving patterns, and acquiring a language, probably at a rate they will never equal again (Rogers, 1969). It is the responsibility of the classroom teacher to provide the atmosphere and academic challenges which will nurture these young learners. Many young children have the ability to transfer knowledge from one area to another, and it is important to begin early to develop …

Voice Technologies In Advanced Computer Systems, Jodie M. Cone

Graduate Research Papers

Recently there has been a surge of interest using voice technologies in advanced workstations. The motivation for voice is its role as the primary channel of human-to-human communication, which ties in with current research in which computers are used to facilitate group problem solving, in enhanced user interfaces, and office computing. Taken broadly, the use of speech as a command and data channel may require digital recording and playback techniques, speech recognition, text-to-speech synthesis, and telephone interface equipment. The big payoff will be to build systems, using these technologies, to allow computers to become a part of the infrastructure of …

Spelling And Whole Language, Rosemary C. Geiken

Graduate Research Papers

A current trend in language arts programs in elementary schools is the shift from skills-based instruction to a focus on emergent literacy and whole language (Watson, 1988). Teachers are setting aside textbooks and are involving children in language activities that are functional and purposeful to them (Goodman, 1986). Nowhere is this instructional trend more obvious than in the area of writing. It is viewed as a recursive process in creating meaning (Graves & Stuart, 1985; Calkins, 1986).

Facilitating Science Understandings Through Whole Language, Shirleen Larson Reinhardt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to consider extending the language arts across the elementary school curriculum to the science area in order to facilitate children's growth in language abilities and in knowledge of science concepts and processes. Supporting this study will be a review of the current status of science programs in the elementary schools and the value of the whole language concept in instructional development. Based on this review, the paper will present ways that the language arts can be integrated into the science program.

The Use Of Music In Facilitating Learning In The Elementary Content Classroom, Melodee Weisbrod Reineke

Graduate Research Papers

The use of music in facilitating learning in the elementary content classroom was investigated. Music has been noted to be a part of such subjects as reading, language, science, mathematics, physical education, and art. Integrating music with these subjects was discussed. Current pilot programs include the following: Learning to Read Through the Arts (LTRTA), rap, Suggestopedia, Soviet Sleep Learning, Tomatis Method, Accelerated Learning (SALT), and background music while studying. Practical music activities for the elementary content classroom were mentioned. Much of the literature reviewed included theoretical articles, research studies and articles of application. It was concluded that more statistical research …

Strategies For Parental Identification And Effective Parenting Of The Gifted Child, Randy Richardson

Graduate Research Papers

Major studies conducted over the past twenty years have shown that parents are important educators of their children and that not even the best schools can do the Job alone (Walberg, 1984). This is true for parents of gifted children as well. The family often has been cited as one of the most important components in the translation of talent and ability into achievement for gifted children (Olszewski, Kulieka, & Buescher, 1987). Researchers in the field of gifted education generally agree on the importance the family plays in the educational and social development of gifted children (Zorman, 1982).

Methods For The Teaching Of Science In Grades K-8: A Case For The Constructivist Model And The Science Technology Society (Sts) Approach, Gary Sitter

Graduate Research Papers

Considerable research information on science education and/or science methodology cited by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and other researchers (Harms and Yager, 1981; Hurd, 1986; Malecki, 1990; Mitchener and Anderson, 1989) emphasizes a crisis in science education. A majority of those with a special interest in improving science learning feel something must be done to improve the quality of science instruction that students receive. Furthermore, many offer suggestions as to what that something should be (Aldridge, 1991; Blunck and Yager, 1990; Malecki, 1990; Penick, 1986; Stefanich, 1991; Stronck, 1986; Yager, …

Multimedia And Its Effects On Different Cognitive Styles In The Mathematics Classroom, Richard G. Strike

Graduate Research Papers

Technology has provided the education world with 3 many tools to present information. Multimedia is the latest tool. Multimedia in itself is not a new concept. In the past, teachers and students have used multiple forms of media to create projects such as filmstrips, tape recordings and videos. "Today, the computer has become the conductor of the multimedia orchestra" (Epstein, 1990, p. 40).

Media Ethics: How Far Has The Media Gone?, Jacqueline I. Wilson

Graduate Research Papers

With the advent of the printing press, and later the radio and television, the public relies heavily on the words of others to give them information. Each day people receive news, whether it is read in the newspaper, heard on radio, or seen on television. The companies that run the newspapers, radio and television stations, and magazines hire individuals that are deemed to have good written and verbal skills. These individuals are trained to communicate articles that are clear, concise, and informative so that the readers, listeners, and viewers get all the important news in the shortest time possible.

A Search For Common Beliefs And Goals: Homogeneous Grouping Of The Intellectually Gifted In The Middle School, Sara J. Youngkin

Graduate Research Papers

The early adolescent years, from 10-14, are a period of immense social, emotional, and physical change. Middle level educators, therefore, believe that schools must adjust and provide a different structure for these early adolescents. This belief manifests itself in the middle school concept, and this concept has grown into an organized movement as traditional junior high schools transform into middle schools. In fact, George (1988) reports that in the United States more than half of the school systems are currently following the middle school concept by adopting an appropriate middle school program.

The Portrayal Of Interracial Families In Children’S And Young Adult Fiction Books, Judy Mitchell

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the study was to analyze the content of children's and young adult fiction books which portray contemporary interracial families. A checklist was prepared to address how the structures of these families are being presented. Three hypotheses were rejected. The first hypothesis stated that the majority of the interracial families portrayed would include on African American and one caucasian parent. The data showed that only forty-one percent of the families fit that criterion. The third hypothesis stated that the majority of interracial families would encourage their children to accept both sides of their heritage. The data, however, showed …

The Portrayal Of Obesity In Young Adult Fiction, Janice E. Weber

Graduate Research Papers

This study presents a content analysis of a random sample of 24 young adult fiction books published between 1970-1980 and 1981- 1991, showing the portrayal of obese characters and determining if this portrayal changed over time. Findings concerning obesity were: negative presentations in 79.2%, presence of ridicule in 87 .5% and rejection in 83.3%, obesity shown as a problem to solve by dieting, and a rise of 37.5% in negative portrayals in more recently published books . It is concluded that the idea of "fat acceptance" has not had an effect on young adult fiction and that despite modern society's …

Adolescent Pregnancy Novels: An Annotated Bibliography, Mary K. Vaughn

Graduate Research Papers

The annotated bibliography contains a list of young adult fiction books in which the characters resolve an adolescent pregnancy situation. From the twenty-one books chosen for inclusion, twenty-three entries were made in the bibliography. Fourteen entries were found in the pregnancy resolution of keeping the child category, five entries ln the adoption category and four entries in the abortion category. The twenty-one books included in this study were published from 1973 through 1989 and were available in public or school libraries.

Listening Comprehension Analysis In A Midwestern Community College, Mary M. Conrad

Graduate Research Papers

At the post secondary level, listening comprehension is one of the most needed and least taught of the communication skills. This study compares whether a direct teaching method.is more effective than an indirect method for improving listening comprehension. Twenty-four secretarial students in two business communications classes were the subjects of the study. There were fifteen females in group 1 and eight females and one male in group 2. The Watson-Barker Listening Test was used to pre- and post-test subjects' listening comprehension.

Group 1 received listening instruction via a direct method; group 2 received instruction via an indirect method. T-test analysis …

An Examination Of The Six Roles Of The Dental Hygienist In Relation To The Field Dependence-Field Independence Construct, Melanie R. Hamer

Graduate Research Papers

Dental hygienists are seeking to remain viable health professionals in the midst of social, political, and economic changes which are occurring in the United States. These changes are expected to accelerate as the nation evolves from an industrial-based society to an information-based society (American Dental Hygienists' Association, 1988) (ADHA) . The shift to an information-based society will have an impact upon health care delivery in the future (Turner, 1988). If the dental hygiene profession is to remain viable in a rapidly changing society, dental hygienists' educational institutions must respond to change.

School Phobia: Causes And Counseling Approaches, Linda K. Riniker

Graduate Research Papers

Recent studies have demonstrated that there is an incidence rate of seventeen out of one thousand students who are affected by school phobia (Kennedy, 1965). School phobia, the refusal to attend school, does not favor a particular sex, socio-economic group, birth order, or age (McDonald & Shepard, 1976). This fear not only reveals itself as an emotional problem, but often has physical symptoms as well. These students may have the physical symptoms of stomach aches, nausea, paleness, trembling, an inability to move, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. They may also be picky eaters because of these physical symptoms. It is a …

A Review Of The Issue Of Elitism As A Perceived Negative Characteristic Of Gifted Programs, Scott A. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

At some point in time almost every teacher who works with gifted children will have to deal with the issue of elitism in the programming strategies established for these children. In fact, according to Borland (1989), teachers and coordinators of gifted education programs are frequently charged with fostering elitism in the schools. He further states that, "For some people, the phrase 'program for the gifted' reflexively connotes unfair advantage and a retreat from egalitarianism" (p.83). Gardner and Hofstadter (1989) also address this problem when they say: "The linking of excellence and elitism is an ingrained national tendency, an enduring facet …