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Annual Report Of The Registrar 2009/2010, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted
--- Degree Summary
--- Program Certificates
--- Pupils in Price Laboratory School
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree Objective, and Racial/Ethnic Classification

Rod Library Newsletter: Rod Notes, V2n4, January 2010, University Of Northern Iowa. Rod Library.

Rod Library newsletter: Notes for the Stalled

Contents:

-- What's Happening: in the Browsing Room
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Cloning In Young Adult Fiction, Jennifer L. Kehoe

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to discover the issues raised about human cloning in young adult fiction. This study determined the themes found in the young adult fiction selected and if those themes reflected issues about human cloning. The questions asked in the study were: 1. Does young adult fiction confront the complexity of ethical issues about human cloning? 2. Do the plots and characters in young adult fiction about cloning provide substance to provoke reader response to the ethical controversies that surround cloning? A thematic analysis was conducted. The researcher read each book and recorded themes that were …

Design Practices Business Organizations Employ To Deliver Virtual Classroom Training, Rebecca L. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to investigate what instructional design practices organizations employ to deliver virtual classroom training to their workforces. The review examines why companies are implementing virtual classrooms, positive and negative elements of implementing, instructional design strategies companies use to deliver effective virtual training and how learners perceive virtual classroom training compared to traditional face-to-face settings. Best practice with research shows that the most critical factors in successful virtual classroom training are engaging learners, using the software technology effectively, applying instruction design practices and accurately evaluating learner perception. By understanding the best practices, instructional designers can …

Welcome To The Iowa Early Learning Standards : A Professional Development Opportunity, Tammy R. Bormann

Graduate Research Papers

In 2006, early learning standards were written in Iowa for children from birth to five years of age; however, very few opportunities were designed to inform early childhood personnel of the existence of lowa's early learning standards, and how they were reflected in early childhood programming. In 2008, a grant from the Iowa Department of Management was awarded to Tammy Bormann of Early Learning and Caring Resources to write a training series for early childhood personnel based on the Iowa Early Learning Standards; Welcome to the Iowa Early Learning Standards. In 2010, Tammy worked with Child Care Resource and …

Essential Assessment For Quality Online Learning In Higher Education, Shu-Hsiang Chen

Graduate Research Papers

Linking assessment with learning objectives and outcomes has become significantly important in assessing adult learners in higher education. To better understand how adults learn and their expectations for learning, this paper provides a literature review that examines adult learning theory, learner characteristics, and motivation factors that shape our understanding. Additionally, this paper provides an in-depth review on the definition of assessment, types of assessment, formative versus summative assessment, alternative assessment, self-assessment, and the most appropriate and essential implementing principles and strategies in an online learning environment. The resources were retrieved using the University of Northern Iowa Library's online cataloging system …

Facilitating Maximum Benefit For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Distance Education, Rodd Grady

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional distance education environments are not conducive to learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The purpose of this literature review is to address how learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can better succeed in distance education learning environments. The review defines distance education, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and briefly explains some of the details of each. It then reviews strategies for helping students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Considerations for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in distance education are addressed. It discusses media, interaction, engagement of learners, feedback, motivation, and support systems as possible ways to help learners with …

Developing Personal Learning Networks Through Social Media As An Effective Learning Strategy Across Generational Demographics, John A. Engelhart

Graduate Research Papers

The changing world of technology and the increasing use of social media for learning are present among a multitude of identified generations. Adult learning and the approach to which learning is facilitated has changed greatly in recent years due to emerging technologies. This literature review presents evidence of each generation's learning style. The integration of social media into learning environments supports Personal Learning Networks for any age demographic. This review of literature is based on published literature including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, and reputable websites. The reviewer found social media is not used equally among generational demographics. Social media's impact …

The Question Is The Answer : Making The Language Arts Classroom Meaningful With Essential Questions And Student-Driven Inquiry, Ashley A. Jorgensen

Graduate Research Papers

Coalition research scholar, Grant Wiggins, firmly believes the idea of a question-driven, inquiry approach to teaching and learning should be at the heart of a school's mission. In examining one of the chief questions of a school's mission, that is, 'What are the aims of a high school curriculum,' Wiggins says it must involve getting students to "use their minds well" (Cushman, 1989). Wiggins says that, "students should emerge from their high school career with an integrated vision of how to think within the culture, which implies a broad understanding, not just narrow or rote expertise" (Cushman, 1989). In order …

What Is Really Happening When I Teach? : A Self-Study In A Secondary English Classroom, Margaret Christensen Mnayer

Graduate Research Papers

As an educator in an urban school, determined to provide my students with the most effective teaching, I engaged in a self-study to examine my practices and evaluate effectiveness based on current research. I used Schulte's (2002) framework to build my self-study. Her indicators of a quality self-study are: 1) thorough descriptions of the context, data collection, and analysis, 2) thoughtful problemization of researcher and her practice, 3) indications for how study changed researcher's practice, and, 4) a description of how the new insights gained might contribute to knowledge base for other teachers.

Constructivism And Distance Education : Meeting The Needs Of Adult Learners In Distance Education, Kimberly D. Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

This review addresses literature regarding how the implementation of constructivist principles in designing online learning environments can meet adults' needs. This literature review identifies the specific characteristics and concerns associated with distance learning environments. It also explores the usefulness of using constructivism as a means to meet the unique needs of adult learners in distance learning courses. Resources consist primarily of books and articles published from 1995 to the present, dealing with issues of constructivism, andragogy, and distance education.

The topics covered include constructivism, adult learners, and constructivist-based strategies integration with particular attention being paid to the problem-based learning model, …

Using Mobile Devices In Education, Jennifer N. Nitchals

Graduate Research Papers

With the changes in technology over the last few years, it is important to consider mobile devices because they offer a variety of applications to enhance what is already being taught in the classroom. The review discusses how today's mobile devices have many capabilities that are pertinent to education and the enhancements to current curriculum. The review also covers the challenges that need to be addressed in order for the mobile devices to be an asset to the classroom. The resources used for the discussion include journal articles, books and literature reviews. The review will give an insight to how …

Electronic Portfolios : Tools For Authenic Formative Assessment, Melissa Yocum

Graduate Research Papers

The culture of students is ever changing. Teachers are struggling to find ways to meet the needs of different learning styles and levels. Assessment for learning is the current buzz statement in education. This review examines using electronic portfolios as tools for assessing learning. This paper examines how electronic portfolios can be used as an assessment for learning tool that engages students in their own learning. The review found that electronic portfolios can be used as an assessment-for-learning tool, but more evidence is needed to determine whether it should be the sole means of learning assessment.

National Board Of Professional Teaching Standards (Nbpts) Portfolio Option, Paula L. Buchholz

Graduate Research Papers

I completed three of the entries required by the Young Adolescence Science National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) portfolio as a creative component option for my master's in Science Education. Entry one involved teaching a major idea over time. The theme I selected was molecular basis of heredity in biology class. Entry two based on video evidence of students engaged in scientific inquiry. For this entry, I chose a variable test lab in my physical science class. Entry four was comprised of teacher accomplishments and how they are linked to student learning. I will provide an overview of my …

Project/Problem Based Learning Activities For High School Biology, Susan Considine

Graduate Research Papers

Very early on in my teaching career it became apparent to me that teaching required talent, patience, perseverance, and a wide array of tools. The past thirteen years of teaching have provided insight to the methods that work best in the classroom. Throughout my education as a part of the Masters of Science Education program at the University of Northern Iowa I have been exposed to many different models of teaching and learning. One instructional approach I think is essential to my teaching is project and problem based learning. Science is understood to be a process of finding out and …

National Board For Professional Teaching Standards, Michelle Oslin Griffen

Graduate Research Papers

As part of my masters requirements, I decided to go through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Process. The NBPTS process requires teachers to thoroughly analyze their practices in order to improve their teaching and student learning. The three entries I chose to highlight in this paper are: Writing: Thinking through the Process, Integrating Mathematics with Science, and Documented Accomplishments: Contributions to Student Learning. Every entry required contextual information about my school and classroom.

Differentiating Instruction In The High School Science Classroom: Instructional Accommodations For Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, English Language Learners, And Gifted Learners, Nicole M. Kesselring

Graduate Research Papers

Students in today's classrooms come from many different backgrounds and have many different educational needs and learning styles. Today's education emphasizes inclusion of students with learning disabilities and a reduction of out-of-class services for gifted learners. Working to meet the needs of the broad spectrum of students is a big challenge for many of today's science teachers. Indications are that most teachers are making few proactive modifications based on learner variance. Inclusion of students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and English Language Learners (ELL) in science classrooms along with gifted learners calls for a need of differentiated or academically responsive instruction. …

The Unforgettable June 2008 Cedar River Flood, Keri Annis

Graduate Research Papers

Natural disasters such as flooding cause emotional and financial strains. Among those directly affected are children. Communities are forever changed after suffering loses due to flooding. Informational text provides discussion and comprehension for children. An informational booklet about the devastating June 2008 Cedar River flood and the effects it has had on the Cedar Rapids community would benefit third graders in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Due to the recency of this flood, no informational books about it have been published for children. The purpose of this research project was to create an informational booklet using a non-fiction expository …

School Library Facilities, Meeting The Needs Of Individuals With Disabilities, Nicole Willard

Graduate Research Papers

The problem identified by the research is that schools may not be meeting the needs of all students in typical school library environments. This research used a mixed methods approach to investigate newly constructed or remodeled school library facilities in eastern Iowa to assess accessibility to the library facility for individuals with disabilities.

Ten librarians within one regional center that had newly built or remodeled libraries were asked to participate in the study along with one special education teacher within each building. Out of ten librarians asked to participate in the study, eight agreed to participate along with four special …

Adventure Education: After-School Program Participation On Academic Performance, Arlene F. Prather-O'Kane

Graduate Research Papers

Adventure Education is an innovative way to build character by enhancing self- discovery, developing personal responsibility, and acquiring coping and communication skills, in a school setting. Adventure Education is established in some elementary, middle, and high school curricula, but it remains unclear of its outcomes on programmatic issues. Research literature in the Adventure Education field focusing on program components has been minimal.

This study investigated math and reading scores, and school attendance of middle after-school students, to see if an Adventure Education program called Seed Planters® influenced students' abilities to perform better in school and to increase their interest in …

A Study Of The Components For Conducting An Aquatic Facility Feasibility Study, Shona Lee Musial Moeller

Graduate Research Papers

Park and recreation administrators have found a need for developing feasibility studies for various reasons. Many communities feel the feasibility study process is necessary in order to have a proper outlook into either short-term or long-term planning and development efforts. Population growth and changing dynamics in various communities are two main reasons why feasibility studies are conducted. Older facilities are becoming increasingly more vulnerable to damage created by over-use or under-use. The over utilized facilities cannot keep up with structural demands placed upon them, whereas the under-used facilities are creating financial burdens and are not being subsidized by user fees. …

Validation Of The Polar Active Accelerometer For The Measurement Of Physical Activity In Elementary Children, Renee Kidwell

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine the validity of the Polar Active for the assessment of physical activity in elementary aged children and to compare its measurements to the activity counts of two Actigraph accelerometers. Participants were 35 boys and girls aged 7 to 10 years. Each child wore the Polar Active, Actigraph 7164, Actigraph GT3X, and Cosmed K4 portable metabolic system. The relationship between the three accelerometers and oxygen consumption (VO2) was assessed during five common activities, increasing in intensity from sedentary to vigorous+. Activities included sitting, video gaming, aerobic warm up, walking, martial arts, and running; …

The Quiet Eye And The Effects Of Anxiety On Visual Training And Perception In Sport, Shaun Mark Artero Juan

Graduate Research Papers

At an early age most kids involved in competitive sports are aware of the pressures of winning. They feel the pressure to win from their coaches, peers, and, in most cases from their family too. However, in this day in sports, it is difficult to be the BEST athlete on the team, or in the league. Every athlete wants that edge over their opponents, and is willing to do the necessary workouts and training to learn the skills and techniques to excel in their sport. Every disciplined athlete wants to WIN!

The desire to win is so prevalent in sports …

Childhood Obesity And Adolescent Obesity In Taiwan And United States, Eric Yao-Tieng Huang

Graduate Research Papers

The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has been increasing over the last two decades. Besides sedentary activity and high-calorie diet, there are numerous obesity-related factors that could be generalized to two categories: (a) intrapersonal factors (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status) and (b) interpersonal factors (e.g., friends, family, social support, social climate). The purpose of this literature review was to examine these factors behind the issue of childhood obesity and adolescent obesity in Taiwan and United States. Strong evidence shows a similar trend that both American and Taiwanese adolescents are living sedentary lifestyles, habituated to bad eating habits, and …

Teacher-Initiated Reminders To Increase The Frequency Of Attainment Of Students’ Self-Set Aerobic Fitness Goals, Ross Chakrian

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Middle School Students’ Opinions On Using Physical Activity Monitors, Christopher R. Mekelburg

Graduate Research Papers

Since the mid 1980's, childhood obesity population in the United States has increased consistently each year (Flegal, Carroll, Ogden, 2002). A new initiative has been made by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to promote physical activity and quality physical education in schools. The CDC recommends that children obtain 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). The current study was conducted to analyze the opinions of middle school students and their master teacher on a new activity monitor created to calculate a child's activity throughout an extended period of time. …

Comparing Static And Dynamic Stretching Prior To Exercise, Brock Leggins

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Motivational Climate: Coaches Using A Mastery Approach, Tiffany Anne Pins

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Cardiovascular Fitness And Academic Achievement In 8th Grade Students, Lindsey Kingsbury

Graduate Research Papers

Background: Federal mandates add pressure to school administrators to improve academic performance on standardized tests. Physical education, along with other none academic subjects, are being removed to make more academic instructional time.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine how middle school students' cardiovascular fitness affects academic performance standardized test. A secondary focus was to examine the relationship between a 2.5 and 5 day a week physical education regimen* cardiovascular fitness levels.

Methods: The FitnessGram PACER was used to measure the cardiovascular endurance levels and the Iowa Basic Skills Test was used to measure academic performance in …

Pathological Gambling Among Older Adults, Thomas Joseph Lind

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.