Digital Commons Network^™

Recent Research On Appropriate Strategies To Facilitate And Enhance Reading Comprehension Instruction Primary Level, Linda Kennedy

Graduate Research Papers

At a time when literacy is more important than ever, national attention has refocused on reading to insure that all children learn this critical skill. Through the years, the entire realm of reading has been considered extremely complex and even controversial. In no other area in the whole field of education is there more partisanship than in the area of the teaching of reading. Samuels and Farstrup (1992) stated that after years of having more educational research dedicated to the subject than to any other, there is still no precise answer resolving the question of how to teach a child …

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. …

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 …

Cooperative Learning: Its Many Effective Uses In The Mathematics Classroom, David H. Michels

Graduate Research Papers

Most middle school educators agree that a major challenge for middle school teachers is to seek ways to create classroom environments and school learning climates that promote school success while reducing the disappointment and futility that saps students of their drive to engage in the learning process. One proven route to meeting this challenge is the use of cooperative learning in the classroom (Tyrrell, 1990). Many studies have shown that students in cooperative learning groups learn more than do students in traditional programs (Slavin, 1987).

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 …

Meeting State Mandates For Gifted And Talented : A Survey Of Iowa Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs, Judy Carol Davison

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to identify the methods through which undergraduate teacher education programs in the State of Iowa are meeting the competency requirement as related to the education of the gifted and talented. The instrument used to accomplish the assessment was a survey questionnaire that was distributed to each of the 30 Iowa colleges and universities that offer teacher preparation programs.

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).

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).

Time Of Day Effects On Achievement, Peggy Rick

Graduate Research Papers

The path of the educational process more closely resembles the flight of a butterfly than the flight of a bullet (Jackson, 1968). In the specific context of classroom teaching, this has been due in part to the differing conceptions of definitions of "good" teaching. In the earlier part of this century it was generally felt that teaching was an art, the belief being that "a little learning and a way with children sufficed for the teacher" (Bennett, 1917). Later this conception was strongly contested by proponents of the view that teaching was a science, the belief being that a development …

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).

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.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools: A Reflective Essay, Patricia M. Powell

Graduate Research Papers

The educational field has always been an important arena in my family. My Grandmother often related stories about her experiences in rural Iowa schools. My Mother also began her career in a one room school and worked very hard to finally earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. I remember both women discussing the teaching profession and realized the importance they placed on learning and educational success. I know that part of the reason that I entered teaching was to become part of the profession that was placed in such high regard in my family. Other reasons for entering …

Developmental Fears Of Elementary Children: A Review Of The Literature, Melinda K. Smoldt

Graduate Research Papers

It has been estimated that clinical treatment for fear-related disorders has been sought for between 4 and 8% of the children in the United States. It is hypothesized that twice as many children who are potential patients remain untreated (Morris & Kratochwill, 1983). Further, the effects of fear may carry over into school and affect academic work (Robinson, Rotter, Fey, & Robinson, 1991; Robinson, Robinson, & Whetsell, 1988). Fear may range from that which serves to enhance positive self preservation to that which has an inhibiting or debilitating affect on children (Robinson et al., 1988).

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 …

An Investigation Into Environmental Attitudes Of Sixth Grade Earth Science Students, Richard J. Stout

Graduate Research Papers

"Environmental education is at a new crossroads in its evolution. Environmental educators all want to save this p 1 a net from tot a 1 human destruction." 1990).

Learning Styles: Assessing Our Student Needs, Joanna Oppenheimer Morgan

Graduate Research Papers

The research of learning styles and their importance in education has been investigated for several decades. Educators and researchers know that all children can learn, and know that all students learn in different ways. Recent research has substantiated and validated much of what we knew about learning. These investigations have also produced new information about how the effects of sociological, environmental, emotional, physiological, and cognitive preferences affect the achievement of individual students (Dunn, Beaudry and Klanas, 1989).

Intergenerational Education, Ellen Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

Jane Addams. famous social reformer. stated in Democracy and Social Ethics: The Democratic ideal demands of the school that it gives a child's own experience a social value: that it shall teach him to direct his own activities and adjust them to those of other people's . . . . We are impatient with the schools which lay stress on reading and writing. expecting them to rest upon the assumption that all knowledge and interest must be brought to the children through the medium of books. Such an assumption fails to give the child any clue to the life about …

Gender And Cultural Influences Upon Career Choices In Science And Mathematics, Rhonda M. Michels

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize and analyze the research literature related to the relationship of gender and cultural differences and the impact it may have on career choices within the science or mathematics fields. The following questions will be addressed. 1. To what extent, if any, are gender related differences identifiable in the learning of science and/or mathematics objectives? 2. What is the impact of ethnic/cultural differences on science and/or mathematics learning? 3. What is the relationship of gender or cultural differences to career choices in the science and/or mathematics field?

Distance Education: The Re-Emergence Of The Telecourse, Sarah Hanuske

Graduate Research Papers

The year 2000 is expected to have a fifty percent increase in total world population over 1970 (Clarke, 1974). Most of the growth is occurring in developing nations. Even though the rate of growth is less dramatic in developed countries, the social implications are just as important. The expanding numbers of school children, university and vocational-technical students, and others seeking additional training and education are straining the resources of existing traditional educational structures everywhere.

The Relationship Among Sex-Role Categories, Self-Esteem, And Achievement: A Preliminary Study Of Taiwanese Youth, Chun-Hwei Chang

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the study was to investigate different levels of self-esteem and attitude toward achievement in individuals of varying sex-role categories: masculinity, femininity, and androgyny. The subjects for this study were 125 Taiwanese college freshmen, 68 males and 57 females, at the Tunghai University in Taiwan. Three scales were used in this study: the Bem Sex-role Inventory, the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (CSEI), and the Attitude toward Achievement Inventory. The results of this study indicated that the masculinity-category subjects had both higher self-esteem and greater self-concept of ability toward achievement than the non-masculinity-category subjects. Also, there were statistically significant differences …

Parallel Form Test-Retest Reliability And Predictive Validity Of A Curriculum-Based Measurement Academic Readiness Test, Stanley F. Hanus

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to help a local school district in rural Iowa determine the reliability and predictive validity of a Curriculum-Based Measurement Academic Readiness Test (CBM-ART). The subjects were 85 kindergarten students and 77 first grade students enrolled in regular education. The total sample of 162 students was approximately 88% Caucasian, 8% Native American, 2% Hispanic, and 2% Asian. Parallel forms of the test were administered at a 14-day interval, with resulting reliability coefficients ranging from .76 to .94 with a median coefficient of .88. Validity coefficients computed between CBM measures administered in kindergarten and Iowa Tests …