Digital Commons Network^™

The Relationship Between Time Spent In Physical Activity During Daily Physical Education And Selected Physical Fitness Components Among Elementary And Secondary Students, Shelley Mccumber

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between the time spent in physical activity in the physical education classroom and the scores on the Fitness gram battery tests of the mile walk/run, sit-ups, flexed arm hang, trunk lift, and the sit and reach in elementary and secondary students. Two sub-problems were also investigated: (1) were there differences in the total amount of time spent in physical activity between elementary students and secondary students; and (2) were there differences in the percent of total class time spent in physical activity between elementary students and secondary …

Russian Immigration To The Usa, 1990-2003, Alexandra Mikhailovna Bozheva

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The last decade of the 20th century was marked by an important event on the European political map, the USSR's disintegration and the formation of new states. The collapse of the Soviet Union and consequent changes in the economic and social lives of its former population caused an increase in migration between former republics, and migration flow abroad. Regarding the Russian Federation, international emigration from its territory was directed mostly toward three countries: Germany, Israel and the USA. The period 1990-1991 can be called the starting point of a new wave of Russian emigration, and this is true in relation …

An Exploration Of Academic Advising Care Groups At An Iowa Private College, Kendra Williams-Perez

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Care Group advising, as it was institutionally developed, is an academic advising method intended to improve the first year experience of undergraduate college students. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions of their participation in Care Group advising, as well as faculty and administrative perceptions. The overarching research question was: "How are academic advising Care Groups perceived by students, faculty, and administrators?" From the perspectives of students, faculty, and administrators, the following sub-questions served to guide this study:

1. Are academic advising Care Groups serving their intended purpose?
2. What are the perceived benefits of academic advising Care Groups, …

Inventory Simulation And Optimization Using System Dynamics, Structural Modeling Equations And Genetic Algorithms In The Drivetrain Division Of An Automotive Manufacturer, Marco Sisfontes-Monge

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Strategic planning and control are among the most critical activities that modern enterprises require to succeed in the global economy. This research is an original study that investigated the combination of tools and methodologies in order to apply them to a midwestern tractor manufacturer. The current study identified the constraints applicable to a polishing line in the Drivetrain Division of a major tractor manufacturer interested in exploring alternative techniques to improve its worldwide manufacturing operations.

The specific questions that this project tried to respond are stated as follows:

1. What were the most important variables that affected inventory levels of an …

Administrative Strategies That Foster Self-Reflective Practice In Iowa Educators As Perceived By Middle Level Principals And Teachers, Jane Brandt Lindaman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

With the onset of the Iowa Quality Teacher Legislation, the Iowa Teaching Standards are mandated for use by all school districts in Iowa. These standards call for administrators to assist teachers in becoming self-reflective practitioners. The purpose of this study was to investigate administrative strategies employed by principals to assist teachers in becoming self-reflective toward the Iowa Teaching Standards. A secondary purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which teachers are currently utilizing self-reflection as a method of improving their instructional effectiveness, as perceived by middle level teachers and principals in Iowa.

Four research questions were examined …

English Language Learner Program At Irving Elementary : Finding A Life Preserver For Sink Or Swim Education, Pamela Argotsinger

Graduate Research Papers

Each year the United States becomes more ethnically and linguistically diverse and as a result, so do our schools. Students from non-English speaking backgrounds represent the fastest growing subset of the K-12 student population. In the 2003-2004 school year, 5.5 million school-age children were English language learners (Leos, 2004). As school districts across the country are faced with initiating and implementing programs for these learners, they must factor in the high stakes of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act and the possible impact of a new group of test scores on their adequate yearly progress.

The purpose of this …

The Implementation Of Reciprocal Teaching At Central Middle School, Audrey Kimball

Graduate Research Papers

This study was designed to evaluate the implementation of Reciprocal Teaching at Central Middle School. The purpose of Reciprocal Teaching is to improve reading comprehension through the use of student/teacher collaboration. It involves teaching students strategies that help them monitor their own learning and thinking.· Reciprocal Teaching moves reading from whole class instruction to individuals. Strategies can be used at any grade level, with fiction or expository text.

Fourth Grade Student Achievement On Math Standardized Tests In The Absence Of A Math Curriculum, Trista Manternach

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout the last few decades the importance of reading instruction has been the focus for schools and school districts across the nation. At Lincoln Elementary School in Waterloo, Iowa the focus has been no different. However, in the last two years, academic achievement in the area of math has become as important as reading with the advent of No Child Left Behind.

Although teachers were told that math was important, they lacked a required curriculum until a year after math became a focus of student achievement. The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: Did the absence …

Writing In Math And Distributive Learning In Math Problem Solving, Mary Jo Metz

Graduate Research Papers

Many teachers, parents and students have questions about single sex classrooms. Are there gender based strategies that can be used in single sex classrooms and coed classrooms?

The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible difference in the perceptions of boys and girls in their math problem solving ability, and to determine if writing in math and distribution of curriculum would be effective strategies in math problem solving. The researcher conducted a classroom study to determine the effects of writing in math and compare the impact on males and females. In addition, another study investigated the distribution of …

Effective Strategies For Reading Improvement, Susan Pelleymounter

Graduate Research Papers

Longfellow Elementary has had a history of poor results on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. To address the problem, many innovations have been implemented such as Small Group Reading Instruction, vocabulary building, phonemic awareness, and sight word instruction.

This study was completed in an effort to determine if what teachers did on a daily basis to teach reading had an impact on students. This is important because teachers need their teaching to be efficient and effective. Test scores must increase at our school and we need data to prove that what we are doing is worthwhile. The question for …

How Can Technology Assist In The Effectiveness Of After School Programs?, Imani A. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines how technology assists in the effectiveness of learning in after-school programs. There are different types of after school programs available to parents with school-age children. Results describe the use of technology and the influence it has on the learning ability of students who are at risk. Meaningful, engaged learning can be promoted through the use of technology. Experts in the field state that technology facilitates learning by addressing the need of the individual learner. This review's conclusions indicate that a learning community can encourage personalized learning activities, collaboration, and motivation. The integration of effective technology into a …

How Can Teachers Motivate Secondary Language Arts Students? : 5 Prototypes, Kylee Schmitt Pusteoska

Graduate Research Papers

This research project began as a stream of unmotivated students walked through the door of a classroom. The author began to understand that while the current focus in American education is on standards and curriculum issues, the motivation of secondary students is often a lost and unrepresented topic in today's rhetoric. After being in the classroom for over seven years, the author was able to discern five prototypes of students. All five had different motivational styles and worked for different reasons. Using firsthand observations and scouring the current literature, the author was able to come up with some specific and …

A Distributed Strategies Approach To Teaching Multiplication And Problem Solving, Holly K. Ritter

Graduate Research Papers

Multiplication and problem solving are two fundamental math topics in third grade. The expectation is that students will enter fourth grade with a strong foundation in multiplication and problem solving, which was established in third grade. This research project implements a variety of multiplication and problem solving strategies, in conjunction with a "distributed" or "spaced" curriculum style. Distributed teaching means multiplication is introduced and practiced on a regular basis. This project addresses the question; . Does a distributed curriculum in multiplication and problem solving improve students' understanding of multiplication and problem solving and improve students' assessment results?

Implementation Of Reciprocal Teaching Strategies, Michael Sauer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to address the following research question: How effective are the Reciprocal Teaching Strategies in increasing reading comprehension? Peer observation and coaching were done to observe each other using the Reciprocal Teaching Strategies in the classroom. Two different observations were done, each time by a different peer coach. After each observation, the lesson which had been observed was briefly discussed. From this interaction, further suggestions for implementation could be made from our peers.

Small Group Math Instruction : Is It Beneficial In A Seventh Grade Classroom?, Joellen A. Schwab

Graduate Research Papers

Is small group math instruction a beneficial practice in a regular seventh grade classroom? Two teachers and approximately 500 students were involved in a study to address that question. The study occurred from the fall of 2002 through the fall of 2004 at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo, Iowa. Before small group math instruction was implemented, students averaged approximately 61 % on chapter tests, while after its implementation students were scoring an average of 76%. Procedures included both pre and post test data analysis.

Small groups were created based on student achievement. There were three main groups: low, middle, and …

Utilizing Geographic Education Research To Increase Learning In A Seventh Grade Geography Course, Eric Uwe Schulz

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the current condition of geography education, to examine current research in geographic education, and to create a plan to improve student learning in my classroom. It outlines the re-emergence of geography education in the secondary setting and considers the quality of the national geography standards. A descriptive narrative of current geographic education research is used to determine best instructional practice and is aligned with Colorado's Model Geography Standards to link the current research with curriculum. The results of the research are then used to evaluate and improve the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment …

Peer Tutoring And Technology Integration : You Too Can Make It Happen!, Brandy Smith

Graduate Research Papers

Technology is motivating to students and brings with it a sense of empowerment. This article looks at a successful model of technology integration. This model comes in the form of an after-school club called the "Tech Club" built upon a peer tutoring model. A lead teacher trained third grade student leaders, or the "Tech Kids" to facilitate technology "how-to" sessions in their classrooms. After learning technology basics, this core group of Tech Kids visited different third grade classrooms to teach their peers this magic. This article explains how this peer tutoring model greatly empowered these third grade students and allowed …

Implementing Distributed Practice, Christi Sires

Graduate Research Papers

Distributed practice is a daily routine where students are exposed to a math problem, asked to solve it, and then explain how they solved it. The idea of short intervals of instruction over a period of time can have remarkable results. This instructional strategy has been cited in numerous research studies, an indication that it may be successful in helping students better understand how they can solve mathematical problems.

This study will try to determine the growth of Jewett Elementary's first grade students as they were exposed to distributed practice over a period of time from first to second quarter …

Using Technology In A Social Studies Classroom, Cari R. Teske

Graduate Research Papers

Technology in education is nothing new. The quality of the type of instruction involving technology is worth analyzing. This review provides insight into implementation strategies and the 'best practices' of the integration of technology. It defines the roles teachers and administrators must play in order to have high-quality instruction. Throughout this review emphasis will be put on the strength that technology can bring to the social studies curriculum. And, how together social studies and technology can bring education to a more balanced approach to instruction. To create a type of instruction that emphasizes the equal support of all areas of …

Elements Of Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, James D. Walser

Graduate Research Papers

As I grew up, my interest in various academic subject areas and my enjoyment of school caused me to become interested in education as a career. I felt that I could make a contribution to the lives of my students. My specific interest in mathematics and my personality lent themselves to classroom instruction. Although I have experienced some discouraging days, I still remain confident concerning a career in education.

An Introduction To Asperger Syndrome For Helping Professionals, Bethea E. Woodsmall

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a brief history and overview of Asperger Syndrome (AS) for counselors and other helping professionals. It describes the general characteristics of AS including social behaviors, emotional characteristics, theory of mind deficits, language, interests/routine, motor clumsiness, and sensory sensitivity. This paper also addresses the diagnosis and assessment of AS. Interventions for AS including psychotropic medications, social interventions, behavioral interventions, psychotherapy, and sensory integration is addressed as well.

A Preferred Vision For Leading Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, John Zimmerman

Graduate Research Papers

When I first made the decision to change the way I serve students by pursuing an educational leadership degree in hopes to one day become a principal, I was filled with excitement and apprehension. Accomplishing a life-long goal was actually foreseeable. Becoming a principal is something I have always wanted to accomplish, however, I was uncertain of many aspects of the master's program including the coursework, the professional requirements, and I questioned my ability to serve and lead people. With the assistance and guidance of the many people I've worked with, I am confident in my ability to provide equal …

Dehydration And The Effects On Collegiate Wrestlers, David J. Malecek

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature is to analyze the research available dealing specifically with dehydration and rehydration issues as they relate to collegiate wrestlers. More specifically this paper will serve a practical purpose in the provision of an examination and identification of specific suggestions regarding the application of the use of fluids in wrestling for promotion of high level performance while maintaining optimal hydration.

Structured Imagery Training Program For Collegiate Basketball Players, David Lee Huss

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the present research paper was to develop an imagery program to improve performance with collegiate basketball players. This paper provides information that informs athletes on learning to use imagery. An imagery program can help master skills, increase arousal, boost self-confidence, prepare for the unexpected, and help injured athletes heal faster.

Several topics covered in this research paper include theories of imagery, categories of imagery, and elements of imagery are discussed on the four R's: relaxation, realism, regularity, and reinforcement. When an athlete can make themselves relaxed, they can make the image as real as possible. If an …

Childhood Overweight And Obesity, Julie Lenee Wood

Graduate Research Papers

The focus of this paper lies in current trends, possible causes, and suggested solutions to the problem of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity. There are many possible causes of overweight and obesity. The four that seem to be the most widely studied and that will be covered in this paper include genetics, sedentary lifestyles that includes television watching, nutrition that also includes television watching, and school factors.

Review Of The Literature On The Effects Of Strength Training On The Health Status Of Senior Citizens, Lou Ann Wikan

Graduate Research Papers

Literature has shown that aerobic exercise can improve a senior citizen's health status and the associated quality of life. As of late, the question of whether strength training is also an important component of improvement in elderly living has surfaced. According to Dinsmoor, (1993 ), aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular fitness and boosts the body's ability to burn oxygen, but has little effect on strength and muscle mass. While aerobic exercise is associated with the improvement of cardiovascular fitness, the question remains as to whether additional benefits could be acquired through strength training. Thus, a review of literature was completed due …

Using Reflection To Guide Literacy Instruction In The "Multi-Level" Classroom, Lori L. Weber

Graduate Research Papers

The article describes a teacher's use of reflective practice to guide the implementation of the literacy block in her "multi-level" classroom, which included instruction by grade level and by performance level. A reflective journal proved to be a valuable tool as the author struggled with planning for action, problem-solving, decision making, and confronting "living contradictions" (Whitehead, 2000) between theoretical beliefs and instructional practice. The personal reflection process included daily and weekly written reflection and collaborative reflection. Collaborative reflection occurred with colleagues, a mentor, and a university advisor. Schon's (1989, 1995) concepts of reflection-onaction, reflection-in-action and reflection-for-action were incorporated. The use …

English Language Learners In The Integrated Middle School Science Classroom, Julie A. Fee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will answer three questions relating to limited English-proficiency students. First, what historical changes have occurred to improve education for the LEP student? Second, what information do teachers with adolescent LEP students, especially students who have recently immigrated, need in order to run a happy and successful class? Last, what strategies and philosophies should be used to help ESL students compete academically with their American born classmates?

Using Web-Based Material To Support Secondary Science Curriculum, Ghadeer Filimban

Graduate Research Papers

Web-based materials have introduced a new way of supporting students' learning and teachers' knowledge of the secondary science curriculum. However it is difficult to know which materials to use and how to use them. This review discussed some of the methods for teaching science, web-based materials that support these methods, how the Internet can add to teachers' knowledge, and some negative effects of using this technology. This review shows how teachers can integrate web-based materials into their teaching strategies, and can help teachers who have integrated them to be aware of the negatives of using the Internet in the classroom. …

Push And Pull: Using Regression Models To Study The Influence Of Economic Variables On Net Migration In Iowa Counties, Andrea White

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Migration is an intensely personal decision, but mathematical models are useful for quantifying the larger, economic aspects of it. The goal of this research is to use spatial and multiple regression models to study the influence of economic variables on net migration rates in Iowa counties. To achieve this data for many variables was collected from several sources and centered on the year 2000. S-plus software was used to create neighborhood structures, run spatial correlations and regressions, and run multiple regressions and residual diagnostics. The results showed that it is possible to develop a good regression model of migration using …