Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Iowa High School Students' Transition To College, K. E. Lassila, L. C. Rule, C. Lee, R. J. Driggs, G. Fulton, M. Skarda, J. Torres Y Torres

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We present our studies of the transitions of Iowa science students from high school to post-secondary colleges. Our report summarizes information and impressions from dealing with thousands of new students arriving at our six colleges, along with meetings and discussions with high school science teachers to add their viewpoints into our considerations. Feedback from community college, four year college, and high school science teachers highlighted the following five study issues and needs for improving student transitions from high school to college science: 1) Better math preparation is needed; 2) More work with inquiry-based learning rather than with facts and memorization …

Island Method For Estimating The Statistical Significance Of Profile-Profile Alignment Scores, Aleksandar Poleksic

Faculty Work

Background: In the last decade, a significant improvement in detecting remote similarity between protein sequences has been made by utilizing alignment profiles in place of amino-acid strings. Unfortunately, no analytical theory is available for estimating the significance of a gapped alignment of two profiles. Many experiments suggest that the distribution of local profile-profile alignment scores is of the Gumbel form. However, estimating distribution parameters by random simulations turns out to be computationally very expensive.

Results: We demonstrate that the background distribution of profile-profile alignment scores heavily depends on profiles' composition and thus the distribution parameters must be estimated …

Health Literacy In The Mathematics Classroom: The Iowa Core Curriculum As An Opportunity To Deepen Students’ Understanding Of Mathematics, Elana Joram, Susan Roberts-Dobie, Nadene Davidson

Faculty Publications

By 2012, all high schools in Iowa will be required to incorporate the new Iowa Core Curriculum, followed by elementary and middle schools in 2014 (Iowa Department of Education, 2009). The Iowa Core Curriculum addresses the question: "How is Iowa's educational system preparing our youth for successful lives in the 21st-century global environment?" (Davidson, 2009). It consists of core content standards, and identifies essential concepts and skills for content areas. The Iowa Core Curriculum also includes the ―21st Century Skills‖ of ―health, financial, technology, and civic literacy, and employability skills. These skills are to be infused into existing subject matter …

Skittles Chocolate Mix Color Distribution: A Chi-Square Experience, David R. Duncan, Bonnie H. Litwiller

Faculty Work

In teaching statistical processes, it is important that there be application to realworld settings and activities. When this is done, students are more likely to see the meaning of the steps being developed.

One such activity involves using the Chi-Square statistical test and its applications to counting Skittles Chocolate Mix candies. Many students are aware that these candies come in five different flavors: Brownie Batter (BB), Vanilla (V), Chocolate Caramel (CC), S’mores (S), and Chocolate Pudding (CP).

Human Traffficking In Romania: An Analysis Of Prevention And Outreach Activities, Janet Ho, Noemi Salantiu, Georgiana But, Susan Roberts-Dobie, Anca Magyar, Razvan Chereches

International Journal of Global Health and Health Disparities

Human trafficking is a growing problem in Romania and around the world. Romania is considered a transit and origin country for human trafficking. Most victims are transported externally to more developed countries, although many victims will stay within Romanian borders. The Romanian government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders are making efforts to prevent trafficking. This descriptive study, based on a series of qualitative interviews, examines the actions NGOs, governmental organizations, and church leaders in Cluj County, Romania are taking to prevent trafficking. The strengths and weaknesses of existing programs, as well as recommendations for future action are discussed. A …

Teaching Strategies For Minorities And Students Of Low Socioeconomic Status, Theresa Birch

Graduate Research Papers

In teacher education classes across the country, future science educators are being prepared for their careers. They attend classes that claim to explain student behavior and how to effectively teach science. When they get into the real world and start teaching, many are shocked to learn exactly how much of their college education does not apply in their career. They are not prepared for the reality of the students in their classrooms. A growing number of students today come from homes that are different than those the teacher grew up in. According to Moore (2007), the minority population in today's …

Engaging And Motivating Young Readers, Alisha Briggs

Graduate Research Papers

It is well accepted in the teaching world that a student's success in reading is greatly influenced by the student's own motivation. A student needs to be engaged in a subject to be successful. An engaged and motivated reader chooses to read for a variety of purposes including reading for enjoyment and seeking information. A student may find this motivation within himself/herself or they may need the help of the teacher and learning environment to do so. This paper will look at the various aspects of motivation and engagement including self-determination theory, social contexts, and classroom strategies.

Gender Based Strategies For Increased Student Achievement, Mary Louise Bryant-Wilder

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will present information based on various instructional strategies used in the single gender classrooms. These strategies are researched based, and have been know to help support gender specific classrooms. Chapter two will discuss the history of traditional classroom setting and the introduction of the single gender learning classroom. Chapter three will discuss the results of the current research and findings of experts in the study of gender classrooms and the affect such classrooms have on boys. It will also compare the advantages and disadvantages of gender classrooms for boys. Chapter four is an analysis of the findings presenting …

The River Of Heart: A Novel, Salma Akbar

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The River of Heart: A Novel is the story of Naureen - a young, rebellious girl who finds her voice after her family buries her. In Naureen's village, the family honor is more precious than life, and women pay the price of honor. Naureen falls in love against her parent's wishes. Fearing her father's wrath, Naureen runs away from home. After reading her obituary in a newspaper, Naureen escapes to America with a fake identity. In Iowa City, she takes care of Amma, an elderly, blind woman. From Amma, Naureen learns to be self-reliant. In order to settle a past …

Parental Involvement In Child's Education : Does It Help? How Can We Make It Better?, Keith Galloway

Graduate Research Papers

How often and in what ways do my students' parents get involved in their children's education? How important do the parents of my students think it is to get involved in their children's education? How do I find out how and how much my student's parents involve themselves in their children's education?

For those parents already involved in their children's education, how do I get these parents to increase their involvement in their children's education? How do I convince the parents who are not involved in their children's education just how important it is?

The research discussed in this paper …

Networked Learning In An Educational Environment, Garey Gill

Graduate Research Papers

Yesterday's methods of instruction are no longer sufficient for today's global world or today's learners. Networked learning provides the capability of making connections with people and information for lifelong learning. This literature review seeks to define Networked Learning and Personal Learning Networks and their implications for education. Networked learning and Personal Learning Networks in relationship to motivation theory is also explored. Recommendations for future use include using social networking as an educational strategy for student learning and instructor professional development. Another recommendation and strategy discussed includes student-centered learning to improve student learning in an educational environment through networked learning. Technology …

Distance Education : Is The Classroom Becoming Obsolete?, Randall M. Gilbert

Graduate Research Papers

The future of education seems to be moving rapidly towards distance education. Society is moving faster as people are trying to coordinate work, family, and school. Due to the increasing pressure of time and distance constraints, today's learners are sometimes choosing to get their educations online, or through a school with distance education technologies and capabilities. This literature review describes distance education, instructor and student attitudes towards distance education, benefits and disadvantages of distance education, the past and the future of distance education, and how and why it should be used in training and education.

Using Podcasts To Support Distance Education For Adult Learners, David Graw

Graduate Research Papers

Podcasting is one of several emerging Web 2.0 technologies that are becoming important to the future of distance education for adult learners. This investigation examines the influence of podcasting in support of distance education programming for adult students. An overview of student perspectives, instructional support systems, and technological trends is presented to readers interested in using podcasts to support adult learners enrolled in distance education programs.

The literature review provides information that will help readers understand the complexities of integrating podcast technology into adult distance education programs. This review of the literature concludes that an understanding of student perspectives, podcast …

A Review Of Character Education Programs And Their Impact On Student Performance, Cara Marie Ludemann

Graduate Research Papers

The teaching of character education in the U.S. public school system is being proposed by many educational leaders as a way of reducing deadly violence perpetrated by children and addressing the broad spectrum of social ills found throughout the country (Lickona, 2004). This review addresses research regarding the purposes of character education, roles of the teacher, program implementation, evaluation of programs, and financial considerations. This review reports elements found in successful character education programs. The review supports the value of implementing character education into a school's curriculum but also identifies obstacles that need to be overcome.

Literature Circles And Improved Comprehension In Struggling Readers, Christine Lynn Marxen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to examine Literature Circles for their effectiveness with struggling readers in upper elementary classrooms and reading rooms. Research questions include, what is the impact of Literature Circles on struggling readers in upper elementary grades? and, what scaffolds help struggling readers be successful in Literature Circles?

The literature review defines Literature Circles in their various forms, and details how to begin using this method in the classroom with groupings including struggling readers. Procedures and scaffolds are identified that have had proven results with struggling readers through various research methods. Ideas for teacher assessment, self-assessment and …

Digital Storytelling, Erin Alynn Miller

Graduate Research Papers

The need for students to use effective written communication and to be technologically literate · remains strong. Meanwhile, educators charged with developing these skills are searching for ways to engage students in the writing process and integrate technology into daily learning activities. Digital storytelling aligns with both of these objectives. This strategy invites students into the writing process on a personal level and integrates several technologies into the final product.

This paper describes the digital storytelling process, including the benefits students attain from storytelling and technology integration as well as suggestions for classroom implementation. Additionally, research-based conclusions and recommendations for …

Strategies To Improve The Comprehension Of Struggling Readers And The Elementary Level, Melissa Mueller

Graduate Research Papers

Comprehension occurs when a reader constructs meaning from the text. Each reader must use a strategy to best suit their interaction with the text. By internalizing reading strategies, students will become successful readers. Education is part of a research based instructional practice movement. This paper describes five instructional methods used to teach comprehension strategies to elementary students and the research that supports them. The paper closes with conclusions and recommendations for teaching comprehension strategies.

Preschool Spanish Speakers Who Are Learning English : Factors Related To Later Reading Success, Debra S. Negley

Graduate Research Papers

The rapid rate of increasing numbers of Hispanics in the United States, along with the reading achievement gap between Whites and Hispanics, highlights the need to examine the factors that affect young Hispanics' literacy success. This literature review examined the specific factors that might predict Spanish-speaking Hispanic preschoolers' later reading accomplishments. Studies were categorized by child, family, and school factors that are related to prediction of future literacy attainment.

Analysis of the assorted papers and articles demonstrated that a combination of the following factors would most affect Hispanic preschoolers' future reading abilities in English: high quality early childhood education programs …

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.

Not Enough Non-Fiction Literacy Material In Early Childhood, Melani L. Piscitelli

Graduate Research Papers

In the body of this paper, educators will find answers to some questions that they have concerning non-fiction literature. These questions include: What does research say about incorporating non-fiction material into the classroom: how much non-fiction material should I have in my classroom; and how do I pick out quality non-fiction material?

Educators will also be able to look at three different non-fiction lesson plans. Each lesson plan will use a different type of non-fiction literature to give educators a well rounded view of non-fiction literature. There will also be a section about locating nonfiction books, to give educators a …

Effective Family Literacy Practices, Stefanie Naumburg Riepe

Graduate Research Papers

This project focuses on effective family literacy practices. The project consists of family literacy activities that support student achievement, family literacy activities that build relationships, and family literacy activities that address cultural differences. These activities were developed from the literature supporting current teaching practices in a Midwestern suburban school. The implementation timeline for this project is one school year. It can be implemented yearly, with adaptations based on changing family needs.

Exploring The Motivational Climate In The Rehabilitation Setting, Rachel Elizabeth Brinkman

Graduate Research Papers

The motivational climate is the environment that is created by teachers, coaches, and in this case, athletic trainers. In both education and sport, two different types of motivational climate (mastery and performance) have emerged. Previous research revealed that perceptions of a mastery climate were positively related to higher enjoyment, task-goal orientation, and the belief that effort leads to success. In contrast, higher perceptions of a performance climate have been related to lower enjoyment, an ego-goal orientation, and concerns with failing. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in personal characteristics, as well as goal orientation differences were …

Program Design Consideration For A 8-Week Ymca Youth Fitness Program, Cody Bisher

Graduate Research Papers

It is known that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the amount of physical activity (PA) from adolescence to adulthood does impact adult obesity (Laitinen et. al., 2004). Laitinen found that low levels of physical activity in adolescence increased the prevalence of obesity in adulthood. Therefore it is critical that youths are active in early childhood through adulthood. Barbeau et al (2004) reviewed interventions designed to prevent obesity in youths. Their review found that physical training, with no dietary aide, has positive effects on total body mass fat and visceral fat, …

Bullying Prevention In Secondary Schools, John William Augustine

Graduate Research Papers

Many secondary students are negatively impacted from being bullied at school. Being bullied can impact a student's focus and cause psychological problems, along with many other negative consequences. Every school is impacted by bullying to some point and most schools have taken some type of intervention in order to prevent or address bullying. Teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and students all have some impact on the school environment. Students impacted at school are the bullies, those bullied, and those that are bystanders. Some prevention strategies have tried to reduce bullying by focusing on a certain group. Bullying is a complex problem …

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.

National Board Of Professional Teaching Standards (Nbts) Portfolio Option, Steven Aaron Hester

Graduate Research Papers

My non-thesis option for the Master's in Science Education program was to complete a portion of the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Portfolio in the category of Science/ Adolescence and Young Adulthood. The NBPTS Portfolio has a set of standards that must be followed and as a teacher you must be proficient in all of them. The first standard is to prepare the way for productive student learning. To be proficient in this area one must show that they understand students, science, and science teaching. The second standard asks the teacher to establish a favorable context for student …

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.

Teacher Collaboration : Why Isn't It Working?, Jill Suzanne Schnathorst

Graduate Research Papers

Professional learning communities have started to develop in schools as an approach to look closely at student needs and implement changes in instructional practices. When teachers come together in professional learning communities they are ultimately collaborating. Through collaborative sessions teachers determine strengths and weaknesses of students and then work together to decide instructional strategies that will potentially lead to an increase in student achievement. The focus of this paper is to examine the benefits and barriers of successful teacher collaboration and also suggest an action plan to address barriers of collaboration for a team of 1st grade teachers.

Implementation Of Early Reading Interventions To Increase Student Achievement, Julie Schmitz

Graduate Research Papers

How to close the achievement gap amongst students has been a hot topic for educators. Many educators are studying a variety of educational programs and theories which would lead to the educational success of all students. Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence has a history of students who are not meeting the new standards set by No Child Left Behind. As the administrators and teachers discuss and analyze the data of the students we teach we are looking for upward or downward trends. Discussions are a large part of data analysis. As we look at the trends we ask ourselves …