Digital Commons Network^™

Sixes & Sevens: Photography, Distance, And Memory, Nancy Friedland

Theses

None provided.

The Relationship Between Competitive State Anxiety And Athletic Performance In Female Volleyball Players, Tsui-Feng Yeh

Graduate Research Papers

The present study investigated the relationship between competitive state anxiety and athletic performance in female volleyball players. The sample consisted of two volleyball teams (N = 13) with a mean age of 15.54 years (SD = 0.66). Participants included 16 year olds and younger in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) volleyball tournament. Thirty minutes prior to the volleyball competition, all subjects were administered the modified Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI2) (Martens et al., 1990). The findings revealed no significant relationship between competitive state anxiety intensity or interpretation and player's performance. However, there was a significant positive correlation between cognitive anxiety …

A Comparison Of Health Curricula At Selected Rural Iowa Secondary Schools To A Recommended Model, Lowen Paul Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

The importance of educating the youth of today about healthy lifestyles cannot be overstated. In the United States the top four causes of death in 1998, each lifestyle-related, were (1) heart disease - 724,859 deaths, (2) cancer - 541,532, (3) stroke - 158,448, and (4) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - 112,584, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2001 ). Fifteen years ago Kolbe (1986) identified the same top three leading causes of death and reported that they develop mainly from lifestyle habits.

The first encounter youth usually have with formal health education is in school. …

A Review Of The Research Literature Pertaining To The Effects Of Student Nutrition Upon Cognitive And Behavioral Performance In The Classroom In Support Of Nutritious Snack Interventions During The School Day, Patricia Annette Winblade

Graduate Research Papers

Many educators know from anecdotal experience that when students are hungry or undernourished, they tend to be irritable, apathetic, and lethargic. They often have little energy and have difficulty concentrating. All of these factors can interfere with learning as well as initiate inappropriate classroom behavior. This study reviews the available body of published research pertaining to the effects of nutrition upon cognitive and behavioral performance in the classroom. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe the effects of proper and improper nutrition of students on cognitive and behavioral performance in the context of examining the need for and …

Family Literacy, Dorothy Fay Bantz

Graduate Research Papers

This is a Family Literacy Program set up for second grade students and their families. The project includes thirty-six books and activities for the students to take home every Friday of the school year. The activities include both the student and the adults in the home. The picture books are both narrative and expository and written in a variety of genres. The book reviews are included for each book to show their quality. The adults are given support from the school through newsletters, a web page, family nights, and an initial home visit. The adults are encouraged to become part …

Utilizing The Classroom Computer In A Special Education Setting To Facilitate Cooperative Learning: A Case Study Using Kidpix, Audrey Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Collaboration and cooperative teaching methods have been researched since the late 70's. The research indicates students will learn from each other given the proper environment and tools. In this study, six elementary students were evaluated to examine the effects of teaching individual tasks to students and observing the students for collaboration between partners. Two students were placed side-by-side at one computer and observed by an undergraduate researcher.

The results of the observations report the students were engaged in the activity of KidPix 60-l 00% of the time. All of the students were able to complete the tasks over 95% of …

Group Contingencies And Classroom Applications, Eric Weichers

Graduate Research Papers

Group contingency is a method of behavior control which is usually used unknowingly on a daily basis in the classroom. And more than likely, its result was success. So why is it that so few teachers use group contingencies as a formal intervention? One possibility is a lack of understanding concerning the principles involved. Another possibility is an erroneous belief that it is a difficult intervention. It may be the lack of knowledge concerning the power of a group contingency. Whatever the reason, group contingencies are not often employed by teachers as formal interventions.

Teacher Change In Math Education, Jamie Folkers

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review addresses the process teachers go through in order to change their instructional practices in math. The purpose of this review is to compare traditional math practices with practices being advocated by reform initiatives, to look at hurdles preventing teachers from adapting these reforms, and share suggestions for removing these hurdles to allow a smoother change process for teachers.

The sources referenced come from research studies involving classroom practices and professional development programs, journal articles related to the math reform movement, and books on the same topic. They date from 1989 to 2000.

The main recommendations are as …

Distance Learning : Is It Worth The Investment?, S. Michelle Degabriele

Graduate Research Papers

As human knowledge expands at an exponential rate, learning is increasingly becoming a lifelong endeavor. Careers and lives in the twenty-first century require constant learning, new education, and retraining. Thus, the nontraditional adult population in universities is increasing. Institutions pondering how to cope with an increasing student population and an ever shrinking budget can examine distance learning as a possible solution. Costs and benefits must be carefully considered in the areas of institution finances, the learning process, students, and instructors.

Although many instructors gladly accept opportunities to teach in the distance learning environment, the majority of instructors still have concerns …

The Merits Of Kindergarten Readers' Workshop, Janet K. Hurley

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy is at the very core of our being, and as such a vital component of personal identity, creating an environment conducive to literacy development is an essential element of education. Knowing that attitudes are molded early in life, establishing a strong, meaningful literacy program in early childhood can affect children for a lifetime.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the merits and power of Readers ' Workshop at the kindergarten level. First I will define and discuss components of the workshop format. I then will share what I see as the greatest benefits of the workshop approach …

Implementing And Sustaining Effective Online Learning In Organizational Environments, Amy S. Campbell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review will address specific issues and concerns that are . prevalent when organizations begin to migrate training and learning activities to an online environment.

The structure of many organizations has been changing over the years to include a diverse and geographically dispersed work force. In an effort to continue to provide training and learning opportunities, while at the same time reducing travel and time away from work, more organizations are seeking to implement online learning alternatives. Online learning offers a unique learning alternative to traditional instructor-led training. However, organizations must be prepared to effectively support online learning and …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based language arts program provides meaningful experiences for children within the functions of language. Such programs can be extended across the curriculum to utilize the functions in other areas. These connections across the curriculum can be enhanced through the different genres of literature.

In this article, a literature base was integrated into the science area of the curriculum. A science unit on pumpkins was developed for first grade children with quality literature and related expressive activities that extended the children's literacy and their understanding of plants. Teacher-directed activities were presented along with learning centers.

Distance Education, Kathleen E. Krug

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education has helped to reach many students regardless of geographic location and differences in learning styles. Interactive classrooms, for example the ICN, have helped to eliminate barriers regardless of the distance between locations. Still the concern remains with finding a way to address the different learning styles of the student. This paper will examine both the institutional and situational barriers and how K-12 district administrators in one area of Iowa and the nearby community college are addressing the issues.

Non-Technical Issues Involved In Moving A College Course From The Traditional Classroom To Cyberspace, Dixie L. Mercer

Graduate Research Papers

Advances in communication technologies have rapidly led to interest in the development of online learning programs. The value of these programs is beginning to be accepted as a way of providing an alternative delivery system to students in higher education whose work schedules, family issues, or geographical location make it impractical to attend regularly scheduled classes on a college campus.

Despite the potential of online learning, online instruction is not simply a traditional class gone digital. The teaching and learning processes of traditional classes needs to be reexamined for online classes, as the technology becomes more widespread. Educators need to …

Constructivist Education : Developing A Constructivist Kindergarten Program, Carol J. Menefee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of using constructivist approaches in the kindergarten program. The primary focus of this paper was to look at the features of a constructivist approach. Advantages and criticisms of constructivism are included. This study also provides guidelines designed to help educators, specifically kindergarten teachers, implement constructivist approaches in their classrooms. The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions and cautions to educators on implementing these guidelines. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.

Integrating "Kindergarten Technology Activities" Into The Kindergarten Classroom, Tania Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This graduate project outlines how technology was integrated into a kindergarten classroom using the activities from" Kindergarten Technology Activities." The activities were tested during the 2000-2001 school year with a kindergarten class of fifteen students. The project gives a brief description of the activities, how effective the activities were, and what modifications may need to be made.

After any revisions, the activities will be shared with the other members of the kindergarten team for the following school year. These activities will improve the use of technology with the kindergarten students. The teachers will gain knowledge of additional technology activities that …

Moving Students Forward In Spelling, Catherine Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated additional spelling instructional strategies into her current basal program. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of research about methods of spelling instruction and describe strategies that can be incorporated into an existing program to motivate students toward becoming conventional spellers. The article emphasizes the importance of purposeful writing experiences to give students ample opportunities to practice their growing knowledge of spelling.

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Science : A Unit On Frogs For Kindergarten, Ruth Rysta

Graduate Research Papers

Classrooms providing a literature-base program allow children to engage in the language processes and present opportunities for children to create meaning by surrounding them with high-quality literature representative of different genres. Many of the language arts and science processes are related and can be integrated in themes or units to connect children's learning.

A unit on the life cycle of frogs offered kindergarten children a rich learning environment through quality literature and related expressive activities. The literature-base extended to science developed a sense of community, increased science knowledge and connected reading and writing to the science study.

An Overview Of The Nature Of Science For K-12 Science Teachers, William J. Soesbe Iii

Graduate Research Papers

Recent publicity has emphasized the concern of American citizens over student performance in the sciences. In an effort to evaluate one aspect of kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula that may have contributed to this situation, a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the nature of science was developed into a philosophical paper. The findings are synthesized into an analysis of the nature of science that provides a broad outline of the subject and related issues. The nature of science is a way of knowing that when balanced with scientific content and processes aids in the development of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, …

The Underserved: Primary Grade Gifted, Michelle Sturtz

Graduate Research Papers

Gifted primary grade students, those in grades one through three, have interests and abilities similar to their age mates. The main difference is the depth to which they want to learn and explore these interests. However, due to the lack of programming for this age group, untrained teachers, and parents who are uncertain of their role, these children are underserved when it comes to meeting their needs. There are three issues that contribute to the primary grade gifted student being underserved. The first issue is lack of programming. The majority of educational programs for gifted students are designed for students …

Comprehensible Input For Elementary Instruction, Comis Tang Loken

Graduate Research Papers

In the United States, more and more multi-ethnic linguistic populations will be entering school systems: The increasing need for helping these students from other cultures who know little or no English has become more and more apparent. Educators should modify their curricula and/or teaching strategies to improve English language learners (ELLs) ability in the use of English. Teachers help ELLs connect form (word) and meaning (concepts) and tie these to prior knowledge by providing understandable meaning, that is comprehensible input. Comprehensible input applies new words/sentences to old concepts. Vocabulary learning usually grows out of social interaction and talking personally to …

The Effect Of Backpack Carrying On The Gait Of Young Children, San Fan Ng

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study was to investigate the gait characteristics in young females while carrying five different weights of backpack. It was hypothesized that the gait patterns would be changed and the magnitude of the changes would rise with increasing load level.

Subjects were 24 girls aged 9-11 years. The backpacks weighed 0, 2.1, 4.1, 6.1 and 8.1 kg. The study utilized a Motion Analysis System. A force plate was fixed in the middle of the test site. Four high speed cameras were positioned on one side of the force plate. Each subject carried five different weights in sequence, …

Computer Assisted Instruction: Successmaker™ Reading And Math, Melissa M. Haley

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether the SuccessMaker™ reading and mathematics program being used at Collins-Maxwell Elementary School, Collins, Iowa, has increased the reading and mathematics scores. The elementary classroom teachers, the reading teacher, elementary principal, and two student key informants were all surveyed to obtain their opinions of the SuccessMaker™ program. Survey results indicated that while most of the teachers felt that this program had been beneficial to the students, they did not feel that computer-assisted instruction should replace classroom instruction.

Digital Archives, Shari Herlein Manley

Graduate Research Papers

This research examined the trend of digitizing archives and the problems digitization causes. A textual analysis was used to determine trends and issues related to this topic. The researcher used articles on the topic of digital archives from 1995 to 2000, as found in the Library Literature database and paper index. It was found that the research questions initially asked by the researcher are being asked in the population articles as well. The permanence of the digital archive is questionable, as is the digital document. The safety of the document is also at risk. The ability to access documents is …

Literature Connections To Music, Elizabeth Lynn Wick Mclean

Graduate Research Papers

This project was to produce an annotated bibliography of fiction for young adult readers with important characters or themes relating to music. The music and English departments at Mormon Trail Jr./Sr. High School in Garden Grove, Iowa requested a bibliography of young adult fiction related to music as a theme or important character so that teachers and students could choose a story to read when team teaching music and reading. The 120 books annotated were chosen through criteria selected so as to produce a list of books that would meet the curriculum needs of the teachers and reading levels and …

The Correlation Between Scholastic Reading Counts™ And Middle School Students' Reading Motivation, Lana Pitstick

Graduate Research Papers

Many middle school students have little desire to read independently and struggle with reading achievement. The use of computerized reading programs is being widely used in schools to help improve this problem. The researcher intended to investigate the effect that Scholastic Reading Counts™ has on middle school students' reading motivation during and after participation in the program. The study consisted of two phases in which students kept reading logs of the minutes they read for pleasure during school and outside of school. During the first phase, students participated in the Scholastic Reading Counts™ program as part of their reading classes. …

Portrayal Of Character Pillars Defined By Character Counts! In Children’S Bestselling Literature 1950-1999, Stephanie J. Stocks

Graduate Research Papers

Becoming a person of character is an individual responsibility, yet society uses institutions and media to help guide future generations to obtain virtues and moral values. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the pillars of character depicted in children's literature published in the United States from 1950-1999 reflect the renewal in character education programs for schoolchildren.

A content analysis was used to analyze twenty-five best-selling children's picture books from 1950-1999 that were randomly selected to be in the sample population. This researcher looked for positive and negative instances of the six pillars, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Elizabeth A. Wagner

Graduate Research Papers

The principalship is a collection of contradictory roles and responsibilities that requires knowledge and skills in many diverse areas. Paul Houston's (2001) description of society's expectations for a superintendent applies to the expectations for a principal as well: "The job is impossible because the expectations are unrealistic. We want one individual to be all and know all in a complex system" (p. 432). Today's principal is expected to effectively assume the roles of leader, educator, and manager (Speck, 1999), while creating "conditions that elicit the best from most students, teachers, and parents most of the time" (Barth, 1990, p. 64).

Minority Dropout And Prevention, Ryan J. Williamson

Graduate Research Papers

Dropping out of high school has long been viewed as a serious educational and social problem, especially for minorities (Jordan, Lara, & McPartland, 1996). By leaving high school prior to completion, most dropouts have serious educational deficiencies that severely limit their economic and social well being throughout their adult lives.

Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge And New Structures For Subject Matter Content, Corina S. Cimpoeru

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the concept of pedagogical content knowledge and its implications for teacher preparation and student's learning. The main part of this paper will focus on the necessity of structuring the subject matter in such a way that the content becomes teachable to students. Studies will be presented to analyze different subject matter structures that can be used to make the content accessible to students.