Digital Commons Network^™

Accountability And Collaborative Inquiry In A School-Based Early Childhood Program, Sherri Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a professional learning community and the way in which an early childhood team can follow the developmentally appropriate practice guidelines and early learning standards to improve student outcomes.

Using Project-Based Learning To Build An Environmental Science Ii Course, Molly Crock

Graduate Research Papers

The main goals for teaching science in the 21 st Century have not changed drastically over the last 40 years. Science educators still aim to prepare their students to thrive in a changing world. Our goals are to instill curiosity, have students think in complex ways, and be creative problem solvers. Teachers still want students to critically analyze data and predict how these results will influence factors.

Curriculum Development: New Geology Course For Grades 10-12, Kyle N. Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

At Linn-Mar High School, the science requirements for graduation are three years of science: Biology, a physical science and a science elective.

“Atmosphere And Climate”: A Curricular Guide For High School Environmental Science A Creative Component, Kari M. Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

The unit examines different facets of atmosphere and climate as part of the Environmental Science curriculum. In cooperative learning groups, the students work on group and independent hands-on activities with math connections. A culminating assessment project conducted in cooperative learning groups utilizes student technology skills. Information for this unit was taken from various books and classes that I have studied throughout this Master's program. My intent when creating this unit was to help students understand the importance of asking the correct questions and thinking for themselves to solve problems.

Year-Round Education : A Continuing Debate, Heather D. Schultz

Graduate Research Papers

Year-round education has been a common debate in recent decades. The studies and analyses that are discussed in this paper will give insight to what is being debated surrounding year-round schooling. While many studies have shown a positive relationship between a year-round calendar and academic achievement, others have shown no relationship between the two. This paper sets out to answer several questions regarding year-round calendars and academic achievement. Besides academic achievement, there are several other factors and steps to consider before a district and/or school decides to modify their calendar(s). In order for districts/schools to make a just decision involving …

Problem-Based Learning In The Middle School Science Classroom, Lesley Taylorson

Graduate Research Papers

In 1995, US 12th graders performed below the international average for 21 countries on a test of general knowledge in mathematics and science. (National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 1998). In 2000, 93% of students in grades '5-9 were taught physical science by a teacher lacking a major or certification in the physical sciences (National Center for Education Statistics, 2002). U.S. 15-year-olds ranked 24th out of 40 countries that participated in a 2003 administration of the Program for International Student assessment (PISA) examination, which assessed students' ability to apply mathematical concepts to real world problems (National Center for Education Statistics, …

The Impact Of Instructional Materials On The Motivational Of Struggling Readers, Kimberly Weeks

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the impact that instructional materials have on the motivation and literacy engagement of struggling readers. Its purpose was to determine the influence instructional materials have on struggling readers' engagement with text, which instructional materials have a positive effect on struggling readers, the influence that informational text has on students' reading motivation, the impact of gender on the selection of effective instructional materials, and what instructional materials have a positive impact on struggling male readers. Through this review, instructional materials were found to have a positive effect on literacy engagement when they are at an appropriate level, …

Differentiated Instruction In The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Chad A. Christopher

Graduate Research Papers

As an educator with fifteen years of experience, this author has experienced the frustrations of having to teach a wide range of student abilities at the secondary social studies level. There is a lot of support for differentiated instruction for special education, TAG, and elementary students, but there seems to be questions about the practicality and effectiveness of it in a secondary classroom.

The issues discussed in this paper will focus on the following questions: 1) Does Differentiated Instruction affect student learning? 2) Can Differentiated Instruction be implemented with secondary teachers in a practical way to help student learning and …

Graphic Practice : A Strategy For Developing Fine Motor Skills In The Early Childhood Setting, Kathleen A. Eichelberger

Graduate Research Papers

Graphic practice provides children with an opportunity to develop, not only fine motor skills, but also self-regulatory and alphabet knowledge skills. Research has indicated that a child's fine motor development can predict his or her educational achievement, specifically in the areas of reading, math, and attention. The purpose of this project is to organize thirty weekly lessons that will familiarize teachers with the components necessary to introduce, integrate, and extend graphic practice strategies within their early childhood classrooms. These lessons will be compiled into a step-by-step guide for teachers. An outline for professional development is included.

Listening To Learn : The Academic Achievement Of Auditory Learners, Rae Ann Mclean-Dickinson

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers present lessons in a variety of modalities to engage students with different strengths in processing within the classroom. Using literature from a variety of educational specialists focused on how the brain processes oral and auditory information, this paper reviews how students translate learning while engaging in reading and writing tasks. It explores the different learning problems some children face, and gives suggestions about how teachers may recognize them and offer an environment where all learners become successful.

The Impact Of Homework On Academic Achievement Of Diverse Learners, Jed Batterson

Graduate Research Papers

Homework impacts the academic achievement of diverse learners. A student's learning disabilities, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and age affect the student and parents' perceptions of homework, as well as the efficacy of homework in improving student achievement. Politicians have placed great emphasis on the importance of the American education system staying competitive globally. This places pressure on both teachers and parents to ensure the success of students. Parents and educators struggle over the purpose of homework, what time commitment homework should require, and maintaining adequate communication between home and school. Because homework demonstrates a significant impact on student achievement, this …

Reading Instruction At The Secondary Level, Justified Or Unjustified? : Real Strategies For Content Area Reading Instruction With Applications For Social Studies, Bridgette Pohlman Andersen

Graduate Research Papers

Reading research conclusively asserts that reading is developmental in nature and requires explicit instruction beyond the elementary years. However, secondary education is dominated by content area curricula, leaving little instructional time for literacy. Standardized assessments reveal that middle and high school students' reading comprehension scores remain stagnant, yet society's literacy demands have increased. In order for students to become independent learners and productive citizens, reading comprehension strategies need to be embedded in existing classroom practices. Research-based practices for comprehension that can be used before, during and after reading are presented. A professional development session, covering two years, is included that …

Implementing Supplemental Course Material Websites For Higher Education Technology Courses, Mark W. Bromwich

Graduate Research Papers

Supplemental websites have the potential to assist students in gathering course materials, encouraging topic exploration, and increasing the ability for students to communicate in a traditional face-to-face technology college classroom. This project description presents the results of a supplemental website's development and deployment into a traditional face-to-face college technology course, and measures its success. The research focuses on successful Internet employment within traditional classrooms to ensure that the content of the supplemental website has value to the students. The methodology used to develop the website and select materials was based upon the Dick and Carey Instructional Design Method (Dick & …

Technology-Enriched Learning Environments : Creating A Classroom Environment For The 21st Century, Megan Lahey

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine technology-enriched learning environments in order to implement proper and effective use – changing the classroom as we know it. The review provides a definition and descriptions of technology-enriched learning environments, research based evidence of how they affect-teachers and students, and three key barriers preventing institutionalization of technology-enriched learning environments. Key search terms include technology-enriched learning environments, academic achievement, curriculum, teacher role, technology infusion, and professional development.

This review concludes that with rapid developments and implementations of technology into the educational setting, educators, administrators and technology leaders need to be provided with …

Constructivist Practices That Positively Impact Literacy Development And Motivation In Young Children, Sara Pruss

Graduate Research Papers

Reading and writing achievement has been substantiated through the increased pressure on proficiency for both students and teachers as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act of 200l (United States Department of Education, 2004). Educators engage in practices that may increase literacy scores for young children; however, these same practices may have a detrimental effect on student engagement and motivation. This study examined the characteristics of instructional approaches that are developmentally appropriate and inappropriate for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade children as well as those that positively affect motivation and engagement. Research through a review of current literature …

Counseling And Educating Deaf Individuals, Sarah Zollar

Graduate Research Papers

Counseling and educating deaf individuals involves unique and important skills that professionals need to have. This paper researches different areas of concern, including ethical dilemmas facing the deaf culture, the importance of clear communication, appropriate uses of interpreters, and the importance of confidentiality in counseling. A project was developed in conjunction with this paper, which includes flash cards with some basic signs. These flash cards could be used in a variety of settings, including a classroom. Future research areas are also discussed, including the use of new technologies and continued observation of the differences in diagnoses between hearing and deaf …

Jazz And Gender : Teaching Improvisation To Girls, Valerie A. Shanley

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons that girls do not pursue advanced jazz education and to suggest teaching strategies that could encourage greater female participation. I have observed that the number of female students is approximately equal to that of the male students in concert band, and in a concert band setting these girls do seem to advance more quickly than boys. Through literature review and interviews with music educators and female jazz musicians, this study will examine whether some of the teaching techniques that allow girls to succeed in concert band could be adapted to …

The Wright Message, 2009, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Mathematics.

The Wright Message

Inside this issue:

-- Dear Department Alumni and Friends
-- 2009 - 2010 Tenure-Stream Faculty
-- Mathematics Education Program
-- Project and Grants
-- Summer Research for UNI Math Students
-- Student Competitions
-- The Iowa Collegiate Mathematics Competition
-- TEAM News
-- Alliance Program
-- Two Endowment Funds
-- Mathematics Contribution Form
-- Mathematics Scholarship Funds
-- Applause and Congratulations!
-- Math Walk Challenge

Cns Connections, Winter 2009-10, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Natural Sciences.

CNS Connections

Inside this issue:

-- Message from the Dean
-- CNS explores alternative energy possibilities
-- CNS News in Short
-- Green promises kept at CEEE
-- Applause
-- Transitions
-- Summer camps help middle school students to experience science firsthand
-- CNS students in the news
-- IMSEP awards grants
-- Citizen Science aims to make science accessible
-- CNS team participates in project to explore Earth's interior
-- Faculty research
-- Imagine the impact
-- South campus trail provides portal to nature
-- Internationally distinguished UNI grad establishes teaching and learning award
-- Alumni News
-- CNS advisory board

A Light Unto Our Path: Toward A Mutual Understanding Of Fundamentalist Christianity And Science, Kassidy K. Lyons

Honors Program Theses

My research into the Christian fundamentalist and scientific worldviews shows that existing hostility between the two can be attributed to extremists on either side. Such polarization can be a hindrance to all involved by inhibiting scientific learning and disregarding valid methods to signify and understand one’s place in the world. I explore each worldview and its validity as well as provide examples of how each can be harmful when taken to the extreme. I then outline philosophies by Stephen Jay Gould, Michael Ruse, Marcus Borg, Karl Popper and others who deny extremism and will allow an individual to find middle …

Characteristics Of Highly Effective Teachers: A Perspective From Students With Disabilities, David J. Smith

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Teacher quality is a widely discussed topic in education. States, districts, schools, parents, and other stakeholders want to know how to measure, improve, and reward teacher quality. A major factor in the rise in interest about teacher quality is clear evidence that individual teachers are able to positively affect student achievement, specifically in relationship to students' standardized test scores (No Child Left Behind Legislation). Even a cursory look at statewide student achievement data reveals that students with disabilities are achieving at lower levels in comparison to their peers without disabilities.

While several researchers have asked students to identify characteristics of …

The Use Of Productive Questions In The Early Childhood Classroom, Rachel Alice Dengler

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of this study is to discover how productive questions can be used in the early childhood classroom. To establish a foundation, child development, early childhood education, and questioning strategies that are currently employed in school or day care settings will be covered first. Finally, there will be a look at the misunderstandings that current pre-service educators have with the different types of productive questions and how to use them in a developmentally appropriate manner with students in the early childhood years.

Factors Related To The Unemployment Rate: A Statistical Analysis, Reanna Collins

Honors Program Theses

Current United States economic conditions have everyone searching for ways to solve the downward spiral that has instigated a crisis in the minds of many people. Rapidly increasing unemployment rates are key reasons leading to this feeling of emergency. A better understanding of unemployment trends over the past few decades and factors correlated to the rate could serve as future indicators of fluctuations in the unemployment rate. A statistical analysis was conducted to determine if any relationship between the unemployment rate and nine selected variables existed in order to identify trends in the unemployment rate and to produce a model …

Gender Segregation And The Physical Education Classroom, Amanda Kopplin-Rodgers

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of single sex classrooms and student learning through an examination of the research on how females and males learn and the effects of gender segregation in the general education classroom. The discussion will also include the impact of Title IX on physical education classrooms and the effects of segregation in physical education classrooms. Limited research has been conducted to investigate the relationship among several variables affecting learning including: hearing, brain development, student gender, age, body image, self-esteem, teacher gender, and which type of classroom is most conducive to student learning. …

School Readiness : What It Means To Be "Ready" For Kindergarten, Brian D. Kingrey

Graduate Research Papers

This review of the literature examined the recent literature on the subject of school readiness. The purpose of this review of the literature was to identify how schools and parents view school readiness, as well as how emergent literacy plays a role in preparing students for public school education. Assessments, skills, early learning standards, literacy practices, and entry age were discussed.

In researching recent literature for the review multiple searches were conducted including the search terms of school readiness and transition. Pianta, Cox, and Snow (2007) discussed the domains of developmental functioning in the early childhood years, which served as …

Factors That Influence Student Motivation, Abbie Petsche

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses different factors in a student's education that can affect motivation and overall learning. It focuses on extrinsic and intrinsic strategies, social-cognitive processes, and the classroom environment. There have been many studies done on motivation and achievement. This paper will focus on the findings of studies done on strategies used to enhance students' beliefs about ability and emotions as well as environmental strategies used by teachers.

Using Wisconsin Fast Plants To Incorporate Inquiry Into The General Biology Curriculum At Linn-Mar High School, Steven R. Meeker

Graduate Research Papers

This creative component is a culmination of what has been learned throughout the coursework of the Masters of Arts in Science Education Degree at the University of Northern Iowa. The curriculum that has been developed for this project is a series of three learning cycles that allow long-term inquiry labs to be incorporated directly into the existing General Biology curriculum at Linn-Mar High School. The inquiry lab use Wisconsin Fast Plants™ to teach about plant life cycles, ecology and the scientific method. It is expected that the inclusion of these learning cycles will infuse a constructivist framework into the curriculum …

The Third Space: The Use Of Self-Study To Examine The Culture Of A Science Classroom, Dashia M. Magee

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Science educators are in the position to create bridges between their students and the world of science (Aikenhead, 1996, 1999). This connection has often been described as the third space (Bhabha, 1994; Moje, Collazo, Carrillo, & Marx, 2001; Wallace, 2004), which is represented as a combination or a meeting of the students' world and the world of science. In this study, I examined my role in creating the third space through the use of self-study. Self-study is a form of research, educators use to understand their practice (Austin & Senese, 2004; Loughran, 2004; Northfield & Loughran, 1996). It is a …

The Essentials Of Good Hitting: Commonalities Among Different Hitting Theories, Joseph Lewis Blake

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to define the essentials of good hitting by comparing the commonalities among different hitting theories. To achieve this goal, the following questions were answered. How is hitting performance evaluated? What are the phases of the baseball swing? What are the different philosophies of hitting? What are the psychological aspects of hitting?

Spreadsheet Based Immediate Feedback Formative Assessments For Naïve Conception Recognition And Corrective Accommodation In The Physical Sciences, Jonnie R. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

Providing an education requires continuous assessment which is not feasible with traditional methodologies. This project involved the creation of a set of three formative assessment spreadsheet workbooks that provide instant feedback related to common naive conceptions of matter, change, and energy. Combining validity tested assessment items and constructivist learning theory as a base, multiple choice questions were placed into a series of Excel spreadsheet workbooks that are inter-referenced to instantly report student achievement and reasoning. These spreadsheets provide accurate, timely feedback to the students and the facilitator, as well as an opportunity for students to grow their understandings. This assessment …