Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Writing Prompt Assessments For The Next Generation Science Standards: Physical Science, Kristen Ann Birchard

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to discuss the development of writing prompt assessments that are aligned with the High School Physical Science performance expectations of the Next Generation Science Standards. Eight writing prompts aligned with HS-PS1 Matter and Its Interactions were developed. These prompts utilize phenomena and real-life connections, while incorporating the three dimensions of the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Cross-Cutting Concepts. Along with the development of these prompts, key vocabulary words were identified, and rubrics were created to aide in the assessment of the students’ responses. The quality of the writing prompts was also …

Strategies For Integrating Literacy Into A Science Classroom, Michelle Seddon

Graduate Research Papers

A science reading course offers opportunities for students to develop their scientific literacy by delving into current topics in science through reading and writing. Due to the nature of the course, students could be enrolled for one semester or for the whole year. Through differentiation, Science Reading is accessible for a variety learning and interest levels. This creative component lays the groundwork for the development of a science reading course by providing examples of topics, methods, lesson activities, and assessments that could be incorporated into a Science Reading curriculum. The project recognizes the resources that are available to educators and …

The Effects Of Blended Learning On K-12th Grade Students, Laura Hesse

Graduate Research Papers

Blended learning is used to incorporate technology into the classroom and to aid in instruction. This literature review examines the effects of blended learning on student engagement, student achievement, and student perception in K-12th grade classrooms. Twenty-five peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2016 were selected for analysis in this review. The reviewed research indicates that student engagement, student achievement, and positive student perceptions of learning increased when blended learning was used. Students also developed additional skills through the use of blended learning, such as the ability to self-pace and self-direct. Future research into implementing blended learning in K-12 classrooms …

First Year Professional Learning Community Implementation Within The Marion High School Science Department, Madilyn M. Ramaekers

Graduate Research Papers

The underlying theory of this research study is a radical constructivist worldview. Radical constructivism is based on two main ideas, that knowledge is not passively received but instead is actively built by individual people and that the function of cognition is adaptive and works to organize the experiential world (Von Glasersfeld, 1989). It is assumed that as teachers partake in a professional learning community they seek understanding of their school and classroom. Findings of the research will not be narrow but rather varied and multiple, leading to a range of views rather than a singular view. In radical constructivism, experience …

Development Of A Standards-Based Classroom For High School Physics At Solon Community School District, Tim Sheeley

Graduate Research Papers

Current educational reform focuses on achievement based on standardized-testing. In addition, both national and state standards have been developed and approved. These frameworks logically demand standards-based reporting of achievement within schools. Standards-based grading systems communicate accurate student learning progress, target specific teacher feedback and allow multiple reassessments for unrestricted growth.

The problem of practice investigated in this paper is “How do teachers effectively communicate learning progress and promote continued growth in a high school physics classroom using standards-based grading?” This paper describes my personal experience developing a standards-based classroom. I share lessons learned, and the next steps I intend to …

Developing Model Identification Skills In An Advanced Placement Physics 1 Classroom, Ian Spangenberg

Graduate Research Papers

Every year, hundreds of thousands of high school students take the AP Physics 1 Exam. Passing scores can mean college credit, recognition, and scholarships. While typical physics courses teach the content and solution procedures in discrete units such as dynamics, energy, and momentum, the AP Physics 1 Exam requires students to solve problems without problem-type headings or unit captions. Students must also be able to support ideas and answers using overarching theories, laws, and principles. This research looks at a curricular and pedagogical strategy designed to teach AP Physics 1 students how those discrete units fit together into a complete …

Teacher Librarians And Technology Leadership, Jennifer Kizer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the strategies and techniques of current teacher librarians who are technology leaders in their schools. It aims to clarify teacher librarians’ roles in technology integration for administrators and newly hired professionals. In order to investigate the techniques and strategies, that make teacher librarians successful technology leaders, the researcher used a qualitative approach to gather data from participants via a focus group.

The study set out to find the ways technology leaders and teacher librarians are able to successfully integrate technology in lessons, how frequently they collaborate with classroom teachers, the strategies and …

Recreational Reading In Secondary Schools Through Book Clubs, Briana White

Graduate Research Papers

Many secondary students do not read for pleasure and so educators need ways to encourage more reading. Book clubs may be one answer to help combat the issue and inspire a culture of reading in schools today. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine a high school book club to see what attracts students to book clubs initially and what they value about the culture of the book club. Twelve high school book club members and their teacher librarian (TL) participated in two focus group meetings. The TL led the focus groups using questions the researcher provided …

Play-Based Early Childhood Classrooms And The Effect On Pre-Kindergarten Social And Academic Achievement, Amy Mcginn

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effects of a play-based early childhood curriculum on the academic and social development of pre-kindergarten children. The findings in this literature review examine the relationships between free play, social skills, and academic outcomes in the early years of school. The reviewed research suggested a positive correlation between free play in early childhood and future school success in literacy and social development. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for improving teacher practices and educational policies.

Infant And Toddler Care, Maggie Trecker

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of recent research is to identify the quality of care that infants and toddlers are receiving in both home-based and center-based care settings. The review will also identify how infant and toddler caregivers perceive their work, and ways that professional development opportunities can positively impact the quality of care for infant and toddlers. The conclusion of this literature review includes recommendations for future action and education policies based on the research reviewed.

Technology And Young Children, Jamie Vircks

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the purpose of technology use with young children. Examination of literature on effects of technology usage in the classroom, and ebook use to teach emergent literacy skills, was done. Insights showed that young children are learning more than just academic skills while using technology. They are learning cultural and social norms. In the classroom, children as young as three years old are being introduced to technology as a way to teach practice and reinforce new literacy skills. The review had mixed results as to whether technology use with young children to teach literacy skills is effective. Further …

Energy, Matter, And Change: A High School Chemistry Unit Development, Allison Schipper

Graduate Research Papers

The project I have chosen to focus on for the creative component of the Science Masters of Arts program is the creation of a high school chemistry instructional unit. The focus of this unit is on Energy, Matter, and Change, which is addressed in the Iowa Core/Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) (Lead States, 2013a ). This unit will be adapted using Unit 2, Energy Particles in Motion and Unit 3, Energy and States of Matter of the Modeling Instruction curriculum developed by the American Modeling Teachers Association (Modeling Instruction for High School Chemistry, 2017). The Energy Particles in Motion unit …

Current Practices Of Co-Teaching In An Elementary Inclusive School: Moving Toward Effective Co-Teaching Relationship, Mona Nassir Al Nassir

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Co-teaching has become more prevalent in schools. The purpose of this study is to explore how general and special education teachers build successful co-teaching relationships to provide special education services to students with disabilities. This case study specifically described how two pairs of co-teachers including one special education teacher and two general education teachers interact, collaborate, and build and promote their co-teaching relationships.

The observation and interviews with two first grade co-teaching pairs provided data that told the story of how their co-teaching relationships developed and were promoted through working together in an inclusive classroom. Research data for this qualitative …

Graduate Recital In Saxophone, Cehuai Zhang

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Cehuai Zhang performed his graduate recital on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. in Davis Hall at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa. This recital was given in partial fulfillment of the requirement for his Master of Music degree, with an emphasis in saxophone performance. The recital program consisted of Concertino da Camera for alto saxophone and eleven instruments (transcribed for piano) by Jacques Ibert, Mai for alto saxophone solo by Ryo Noda, Fantaisie Sur un Theme Original for alto saxophone and piano by Jules Demersseman, and Buku for saxophone solo …

A Graduate Recital In Piano, Elisabed Imerlishvili

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Elisabed Imerlishvili performed her Master’s recital in Piano Performance at Bengtson Auditorium at the University of Northern Iowa on March 20th, 2017. In this abstract she will be discussing the following pieces that she performed at the recital: Scarlatti: Three Keyboard Sonatas-E Major K. 380. L. 23, D minor K. 1. L. 366 and D Major K. 492; Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat Major, Op. 81a “Les adieux” by Ludwig van Beethoven; and 24 Preludes, Op. 28 by Frederic Chopin.

Protests, Pageants, And Publications: Narratives Of Labor Agitators, 1913-1914, Jayme Edmund

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In the vast historiography on the American labor movement workers have been treated as noble artisans, brave unionists, martyrs to the cause of unionization, and losers in the triumph of the “free market”. They have not been treated as historians producing their own stories. In crafting their own narratives labor activists acted as historians, reaching beyond recent events to contextualize their struggles and create a narrative that would mobilize both labor and non-labor audiences behind their goals. They offered a vision of the past as leading to present or recent problems and framed unions or labor solidarity as the solution …

Psychoeducational Module To Promote Knowledge And Reduce Stigma Towards Recreational Marijuana Users, Stephanie J. Strong

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Stigma can affect many aspects of life for those who are subject to stigmatization. As contact with stigmatized groups increases, less stigmatization occurs. Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illegal substances and is growing in popularity. Relatively few studies have examined the relations between stigma and specific substance use or particular characteristics of non-users that may influence stigma. Additionally, current anti-stigma interventions targeted at the general population have been largely unsuccessful in the reduction of stigma. The current study assesses a 25- minute online psychoeducational module designed to increase knowledge and reduce the stigma of recreational marijuana users …

Graduate Voice Recital: Rachel Storlie, Soprano & Robin Guy, Piano, Rachel Storlie

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

At 6:00 p.m. on April 14, 2017, soprano Rachel Storlie and pianist Dr. Robin Guy presented a recital of song literature in Davis Hall at the University of Northern Iowa, in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Master of Voice Performance degree. Selections performed included songs from Grieg’s Haugtussa, Berg’s Sieben frühe Lieder, selections from Pâque’s Sept mélodies pour Chant et Piano, and Rorem’s Ariel with faculty artist/clarinetist Dr. Amanda McCandless. This document serves as a guide for the recital program through: exploration of poetic meaning and text setting style, observation of musical texture and melody, and illumination of …

Impact Of Teacher Scientist Partnerships On High School Students' Perceptions Of Science, Kevin John Schneider

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

There exist a multitude of global issues in the 21^st century that can be addressed with the scientific process. In response to these dilemmas, there are a number of education initiatives that aim to raise interest in science careers. This study provides an evaluation for one such effort. Over 200 students from 4 different high schools and 4 teachers were presented with a pre to post survey to measure the impact of Research Experience for Teachers (RET) curricula. High school science teachers participated in a research experience, created curriculum with a scientist, taught the content in their classrooms, and …

Anti-Proliferative Effect Of Hibernating American Bullfrog, Lithobates Catesbeianus, Blood Plasma On The Thp-1 Cells, Sean L. Robbins

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Hibernation is a remarkable process that allows an organism to go dormant for long periods of time during the winter, when food is scarce and living conditions can be lethal. Much is unknown about the physiology behind hibernation, and most research comes from mammalian models. For example, it is known that during hibernation many of the cells in the body are impeded from going though mitosis but the mechanism that caused this was unknown. It was recently discovered that 13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) and woodchucks (Marmota monax) have a protein, alpha-2-macroglobulin, in their blood plasma, …

A Master's Recital In Horn, Casey M. Chlapek

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Casey Chlapek performed his graduate horn recital on November 9, 2017 at 6:00 pm in Davis Hall of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa. He was assisted by pianist Natia Shioshvili. This recital represents the partial fulfillment of obtaining a Master of Music degree in Horn Performance. The program included works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jan Koetsier Sigurd Berge, Carl Nielsen, and Jean Françaix. This abstract examines each piece in the context of its composer’s total musical output, explores the purpose and circumstances of composition, and provides brief comments regarding the …

Comparison Of Forward Lean During Bulgarian Split Squat At High And Low Box Heights, Craig Konrardy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined the difference between forward lean while performing the Bulgarian Spilt Squat at different box heights of 40 cm and 20 cm. The study also compared the maximal force output of the front foot during the BSS at the different heights.

Fifteen male athletes (standing height=180.73 ± 6.67 cm; mass= 80.45 ± 7.63 kg; age=18.55 ± 0.69 years) volunteered to complete the study. The participants performed three repetitions of each leg at two different heights of the Bulgarian Split Squat with 30% of self-reported back squat 1RM. Participants stood on a force plate to report maximal force during …

Analyzing Rana Plaza Crisis Discourse From A Postcolonial Perspective: Implications For Identity And Crisis Communication Studies, Mir Ashfaquzzaman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

An inherently managerial commitment, functionalist/positivist theoretical orientation, and Western/U.S. bias characterize the dominant stream of crisis communication research and scholarship in the United States. These characteristics render analysis and assessment of crisis and crisis communication especially in nonWestern settings somewhat limited in scope and coverage. This limitation becomes all the more apparent when crisis is conceptualized as a social phenomenon, not merely an organizational one. Such conceptualization decenters the organization as the sole source of power to initiate crisis response and management, foregrounds the discursive terrain related to a crisis whereby multiple sources compete with their respective realities about the …

Reading Aloud To Tweens And Teens To Create Empathy: A Functional Criteria, Elizabeth Good

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was twofold: to develop criteria to analyze literature and determine if it would make a good classroom read aloud, then to apply this criteria to three young adult texts identified by Jen Scott Curwood's (2012) in Redefining Normal: A Critical Analysis of (Dis)ability in Young Adult Literature as appropriately depicting teens with disabilities to determine if they would make good classroom read aloud selections. The researcher developed seven criteria by which to judge texts and identified themes within the readings that encompassed the traits the studied texts all possessed in regard to the research questions. …

Visual Phonics : Its Impact As An Instructional Tool To Promote Literacy Development In Kindergarten Students, Lori J. Bower

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature examined the impact of See The Sound/Visual Phonics (STSNP), a supplemental instructional strategy, on kindergarten students, especially those at risk for future reading challenges. STSNP is an instructional strategy originally designed for use with children who are deaf/hard of hearing, that utilizes the multi-sensory tool of gesture to focus on the development of phonemic awareness skills. Research reviewed for this study first examined the importance of phonemic awareness in overall literacy development. Additional studies reviewed establish support for the use of multi-sensory instructional approaches, including the specific use of gesture to help efficiently encode information. This …

Taking University Business Courses Online: An Instructional Designer's Perspective, Zachary P. Benton-Slocum

Graduate Research Papers

This report details an instructional design project for the College of Business (COB) at the University of Northern Iowa, an average-sized Midwest university. During the project as an instructional designer, I converted an existing traditional face-to-face business readiness program (Business 1000, 2000, 3000, & 4000) to online/flipped/blended courses using the Blackboard Learning Management System. The process involved working with faculty, program heads, students, and the staff of the COB with the intention of lowering the technology bar of intimidation enough to integrate it with the pedagogy needs of the courses.

Parent-Child Interaction : How It Impacts Language And Literacy Skills, Angie Thurman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to examine the importance of parent-child interaction in children ages birth through five-years old. The review focuses on how these interactions impact literacy and language skills in young children. Parent interventions and strategies to help children grow in the areas of literacy and language are also highlighted. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for parents and teachers as well as suggestions for future research.

Prep-Kindergarten Teachers' Beliefs : Basic Skills Versus Child-Centered Orientation, Katie Stundahl

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a partial replication of the Stipek and Byler (1997) study, "Early childhood education teachers: Do they practice what they preach?" The study focuses on teachers' beliefs, goals, standardized testing, and parental pressures of early childhood education. Results of this study revealed prep-kindergarten teachers from the state of Iowa believe social skills are the most important goal of their programs. This confirms the literature review of what is developmentally appropriate for early childhood classrooms. Nearly all teachers in this study reported that they believed their programs to be appropriate for young children and that parental pressure regarding …

The Use Of Touchscreen Devices To Support Writing Development Of Preschoolers, Celeste Mortvedt

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines the use of touchscreen devices to support writing development of preschool children. Examination of the impact of touchscreen device writing on brain development of preschoolers is also included. Benefits and challenges of using touchscreen devices to support handwriting development are analyzed and reviewed along with recommendations for classroom implementation, future research, and educational policy.

The Value Of Inquiry-Based Science Instruction For Elementary Students, Jessica Renae Enger

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the academic benefits of using inquiry-based science instruction in elementary classrooms. It also examined different ways teachers integrate inquiry-based instruction. Several studies identified increases in science content knowledge, concepts, and process skills as outcomes associated with inquiry-based instruction. Other studies in this review showed mixed or negative results for academic benefits of inquiry-instruction. This review also highlights hands-on investigations, discourse, and literacy as three ways teachers integrate inquiry. Findings of this review suggest inquiry-based instruction allows students to understand difficult science concepts, justify their ideas, and can create positive attitudes toward science.