Digital Commons Network^™

How To Get Students More Actively Involved In Science Learning To Avoid Scientific Illiteracy, Amy A. Vacula

Honors Capstones

Students should be more involved in science learning in order to avoid scientific illiteracy. The purpose of this project is to show that hands-on science is one possible solution. After looking at research about the possible consequences of scientific illiteracy and doing an extensive review of current major literary works dealing with the issue, hands-on science appears to be a possible solution. Many people are afraid of the negative effects in the United States if scientific illiteracy continues to be a problem in our society. Hands-on science has helped many teachers capture student's curiosity and interest. Students are encouraged to …

Expert And Novice Teachers Compared : A Comparison Of Their Roles And Functions With Implications For Teacher Education, Peter Cole

Research outputs pre 2011

What is the nature of expertise and what characterizes expert performance? What features of cognition and problem solving are typically associated with a highly proficient performance? At one level the answers to these questions are obvious. By definition, expert performers are highly knowledgeable of their subject disciplines and capable of very competent performances in their particular fields of endeavour. The expert in the present context refers to those with knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge. This definition excludes the ivory tower stereotype: that is, the person with theoretical knowledge without practical or applied knowledge. But the definitional parameters …

Self-Regulatory Speech In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordered Children, Megan Lee Marquier

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Self-regulation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordered (ADHD) boys was assessed by examining differences in task-directive verbalizations between boys with ADHD and their peers using Meichenbaum et al.'s (1992) coding system. Eleven dyads of ADHD/normal boys and eleven dyads of normal/normal boys were asked to work on a Lego block task. All of the boys were between the ages of 7 and 10 years and were rated to be average or above in intelligence. Videotapes of the interactions were transcribed and coded for task functions, dialogue features, affect, attribution, and behavioral ratings. Correlated and independent sample t-tests showed that the non-ADHD …

The Impact Of Computer-Assisted And Traditional Group Assertiveness Training On The Self-Esteem Of Pregnant And Parenting Adolescents, Joanne King

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the differential effectiveness of a computer-assisted assertiveness training program and a traditional assertiveness training group on the self-esteem of pregnant teenagers and adolescent mothers. Self-esteem was defined as a multidimensional construct consisting of the following elements: global self-esteem, performance or agentic self-esteem, behavioral self-esteem, assertiveness, and aggressiveness. A total of 37 subjects participated in the study and produced valid scores on the posttreatment measures--16 in the computer-assisted group (7 pregnant, 9 parenting) and 21 in the traditional group (8 pregnant, 13 parenting). Treatment for the computer-assisted group extended for eight weeks and consisted of a weekly, 30-45 …

Leadership Relationships And The Superintendency, Theresa M. Peterson Edd

Dissertations

Leadership in the 1990s is perceived as the primary solution to the political, social, economic and educational problems encountered today by our western society. The solutions that have worked in the industrialized society of the past are being re-evaluated and questioned by our technocratic society of today. The concept of leadership is undergoing a change. The old industrial view of leadership is making way for the emerging postindustrial view--a view that regards leadership as an inter-relational process among people who intend real, substantive changes berthed from a mutuality of purpose. This research focused on the leadership relationships forged in the …

An Adequate Education For All Maryland's Children: Morally Right, Economically Necessary, And Constitutionally Required, Susan P. Leviton, Matthew H. Joseph

Maryland Law Review

No abstract provided.

President's Report, 1993, University Of Montana (Missoula, Mont. : 1965-1994). Office Of The President

University of Montana President’s Report, 1993-2016

The President’s Report of the University of Montana, produced by University Relations on behalf of the President’s Office.

Audit Of Internal Communication Practices Among Special Education Personnel In The Virginia Department Of Education, John Pisapia

MERC Publications

The overall goal of this study was to provide recommendations and a mechanism to assist the DOE in providing proper communication of issues and coordination of activities involving the provision of services for children with disabilities. The research team employed a case study approach centered around a modified communications audit.

The study addressed the following three questions: 1) what is the current communication and coordination system for internal personnel involved with special education issues? 2) what are the strengths, weaknesses and barriers to use of the system? 3) what recommendations can be offered to improve internal communications and coordination among …

The Nctm Standards: Implementation, Kathleen M. Cauley, John Van De Walle, William T. Hoyt

MERC Publications

In 1989 the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics published the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics." The NCTM standards provides benchmark statements about specific aspects of the curriculum and about evaluation against which school divisions can judge their own specific curricula. The Standards has been a major focus of mathematics education since 1990.

In the fall of 1992 the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium undertook a study to determine the extent to which local schools were implementing the NCTM Standards. The study of the schools in the Consortium focused on the broad themes of the Standards document: mathematics as …

Makitab System Of Small Group Learning Interaction Analysis : A Manual For Researchers And Coders, Leonard King, Kevin Barry, Carmel Maloney, Collette Tayler

Research outputs pre 2011

The MAKITAB system of small-group learning interaction analysis has been developed over a 4 year period. When data were gathered late in 1989 on the verbal interaction of Grade 5 students participating in small-group cooperative learning, we were faced with the problem of having to develop an appropriate analysis system. An initial system was created using inductive approaches. Following further data gathering across other grade levels and subject areas, the system has undergone successive refinements. The final instrument, as presented in this manual, has reached a state of consistency that enables coding of most verbal eventualities as they occur in …

Regulating School Discipline Problems: An Evaluation Of The Carnarvon Primary School Discipline Policy: Final Research Report, Paul Omaji

Research outputs pre 2011

Schools in Australia and their surrounding communities have become gravely concerned about student behaviour problems. It is now commonly perceived that the violent component of this behaviour is on the increase. In one study, Omaji (1992a) showed that it is unwise for governments not to pay constructive attention to such perception and, also, that research and schools themselves have a critical role to play in dealing with student violence. In another study Omaji (1993) showed that options that schools have for managing or preventing the discipline problems or violence range from discipline policy, through pastoral counselling to the development of …

Toward Transformative Classrooms: A Critical Analysis Of School Partnerships In A Multicultural Setting, Jan Latorre-Derby

Master's Theses

Digitized thesis

The Literacy Characteristics Of Navajo Readers And Writers., Diane Clarite Greene

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this ethnographic research was to begin the process of identifying the literacy characteristics of Navajo readers and writers. The study replicates aspects of the research project, Home Environmental Characteristics of Successful Navajo Readers, by Dr. David Hartle-Schutte (1988). Home and school discontinuities were investigated in a traditional Navajo environment to determine literacy development (Cazden, Courtney, 1982). Ethnographic data collection consisted of six months of participant observations in two sixth grade classrooms. Structured interviews were used to gather information from teachers, students and parents about the school and community literacy characteristics. A researcher designed instrument was used to …

A Qualitative And Quantitative Study Of Behavioral Characteristics And Instructional Patterns Of Selected Elementary Music Teachers., Catherine E. Hendel

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify what good elementary music teachers do by: (a) identifying primary factors that contribute to effective music teaching as defined by exemplary behaviors of recognized music specialists; (b) examining the relationship of teacher-defined instructional values, which emerge through qualitative study to operationally defined characteristics of effective music instruction resulting from quantitative research; and (c) exploring the possibility that qualitative and quantitative methods of research might be complementary. Nine experienced, elementary music specialists from three regions of the country were observed, audio- and videotaped, and interviewed. Interviews with selected students and instructional documents supplemented …

Comparison Of Word Recognition And Story Retelling Under The Conditions Of Contextualized Versus Decontextualized Reading Events In At-Risk Poor Readers., Linda Cain Badon

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

This study investigated the relative effects of two instructional approaches on reading recognition and comprehension of passages read by low-SES first grade children. It was hypothesized that use of a contextualized instructional approach (i.e., Communicative Reading Strategies) (CRS) which facilitated written language processing (i.e., vocabulary acquisition, grammatical understanding, narrative structure, and passage comprehension) within the context of oral reading would result in better internalization of a written story than would decontextualized activities (i.e., Directed Reading) (DR) targeting the same behaviors immediately preceding or following the reading of a story. The efficacy of the two treatments was measured by (1) fluency …

Effect Of Self-Evaluation And Teaching Setting On Teacher Intensity Behaviors Among Preservice Elementary Education Majors Enrolled In A Music Methods Course., Cynthia Melissa Colwell

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of teaching setting and self-evaluation on the development of teacher intensity behaviors among preservice elementary education majors enrolled in a music methods course. Subjects (N = 44) completed a pre- and posttest and four treatment lessons which were videotaped and analyzed by the investigator using a behavioral checklist which was divided into three sections: Personal Delivery Skills, Accuracy of Instruction and Classroom Management. There were four treatment groups: peer/general, practicum/specific, practicum/general, or peer/specific. Peer teaching subjects taught in the university classroom while practicum subjects taught at a kindergarten. General self-evaluation …

Women's Stories Of Reading And Writing: Three Literacy Life Histories., Mary Annette Duchein

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The stories of three retired women who have shown a lifelong and continuing commitment to learning and literacy were addressed through life history methodology. Three literacy life histories were produced which were then analyzed in light of current research in the field of reading and literacy. All life phases were addressed, but emphasis was placed on the retirement years. Results confirmed prior research in the field of reading across four lifespan phases--preformal schooling, formal schooling, homemaker/workplace, and retirement--and suggested that reading and writing grew in importance during the retirement years and led to an extension or increase in mental awareness. …

The Writing Behaviors Of Five Kindergarteners Writing In Social Context: A Home-School Perspective., Wanda Henderson Handy

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between written language and spoken language and the function of that relationship during the beginning writing development of five kindergarteners from diverse literacy environments. In addition, observable writing behaviors of these five kindergarteners from more literate and less literate home environments were studied at home and in school. Ethnographic methodology was employed. Data collection included interviews, participant observation, field notes, checklists, photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, and writing samples. For 4 months, the case study participants were observed once a week while writing at home and in the school writing …

Concept Circle Diagrams: A Metacognitive Learning Strategy To Enhance Meaningful Learning In The Elementary Science Classroom., Connie Sue Nobles

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of concept circle diagrams, a newly developed metacognitive strategy (Wandersee, 1987), for meaningful science learning. Two research questions were: (a) Do concept circle diagrams enhance the identification and learning of science concepts more than traditional learning methods? and (b) Do concept circle diagrams evolve in quality within and across three sequences of direct explanation, guided practice, and independent practice? This study builds upon earlier research on two important metacognitive strategies, Vee diagrams (Gowin, 1981) and concept mapping (Novak & Gowin, 1984), used in science education. Participants were members of two …

Personality Types Of Program Managers And Job Coaches Of Supported Employment Services In Louisiana., Carol Ruth Techman

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to describe the personality types of job coaches and program managers of supported employment programs (SEP) in Louisiana. The population frame consisted of supported employment personnel working for programs approved by Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS). Fifty-two facilities were identified as having active SEPs. Representatives from 45 facilities responded to the questionnaires. Data were collected using two instruments. The researcher-designed information sheet was used to collect data on the variables: title, gender, number of clients served, type of supported employment services, number of job coaches, length of employment, and distribution of job responsibilities. The …

The Influence Of Selected 4-H Agent And Program Characteristics On Program Enrollment., Catherine L. Denison

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to identify program and agent characteristics which are related to changes in 4-H enrollment. The target population of the study was defined as agents of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES) assigned to work with the 4-H program who had been in a 4-H position for at least one year. The research instrument (questionnaire) was mailed to a random sample of 64 agents. One agent was randomly selected from each of the 64 parishes in Louisiana. Sixty-three agents (98.43%) responded to the questionnaire. Major findings of the study included: (1) A significant difference …

Romanticism Reconsidered: The Implications Of Organicism In Educational Reform., Anne Burford Griffin

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to reconsider what has historically been called "Romantic" in American education. What I discovered was the ubiquity of organicism--an organicism which, when applied to education, promises to heal divisions with connection and integration. A reading of Romanticism as organicism is a traditional interpretation which fails to acknowledge the revisionist work of critics like de Man, Hartman, Bloom, and McFarland, who regard the Romantic recognition of language and self-consciousness as providing alienation, not unity. However, education continues to regard the Romantics as organicists and to provide organic remedies, such as the organic reforms proposed in …

A Cross-Age Study Of Students' Knowledge Of Insect Metamorphosis: Insights Into Their Understanding Of Evolution., Mary Susan Nichols

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Insect metamorphosis is relatively easy to explain at a superficial level, but a deep understanding of the concept reveals a complex array of interrelationships, most importantly those that address evolution. This is significant because, in biology, evolution is considered to be a central theme. Participants for this study were selected from grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 according to low, middle, or high achievement levels in their science classes, and to scores on a national achievement test. The research incorporated a three-level response strategy in order to ascertain more completely students' knowledge of insect metamorphosis, and to better suggest how …

Mathematics And Gender: A General History Of Recent Research And Common Perceptions., Mary E. Reeves

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

In the last two decades a tremendous volume of research data has been collected about differences between female and male students in mathematics. But although the amount of data collected has been large, there have been few conscious attempts to understand this data in social, economic, technological, and political terms. This history of academic research on gender differences connects the explosion of academic interest in the 1970s and 1980s with the launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the sense of technological crisis that pervades mathematics education and popular consciousness. The emergence of "Women's Lib" and interest in gender equity in …

Professional Competencies Needed By Extension Agents In The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service., William Blaine Reynolds

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify the professional competencies needed by the Cooperative Extension agents in Louisiana as perceived by extension agents. Additional purposes of the study were to identify when the respondents believed the identified competencies should be acquired and to describe the responding agents with regard to selected demographic variables. One-hundred forty-one professional competency items were included in a questionnaire that was divided into two parts. The competencies were divided into nine categories that were designed to measure participants' perceptions as to the importance of need for the competencies by extension agents. A five-point Likert-type scale …

Use Of The History Of Science In A Nonscience Majors Course: Does It Affect Students' Understanding Of The Nature Of Science?, Linda Easley Roach

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

In response to a call for more research into using the history of science to teach the nature of science, a call for curriculum materials for inclusion of the nature of science in undergraduate nonscience majors courses, and in keeping with the nature of science described in the literature, interactive nature-of-science historical vignettes were utilized in a quantitative and qualitative investigation. Interactive nature-of-science historical vignettes employ the interrupted story form and binary opposites involving conflict to generate student participation and spark discussion about the nature of science. They were utilized as an experimental technique in a university level, introductory nonscience …

Exclusion: Procedures And Provisions In Western Australia With Special Reference To The Role Of [The] Distance Education Centre In The Accommodation Of Excluded Students, Iyleen Vickers

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The problem at the centre of this research study was whether the educational provisions at the Western Australian Distance Education Centre met the special needs of those students who are classified as "at risk" and those who are excluded from Government schools on disciplinary grounds. Contextual data which related to these students, such as off-campus programs were examined also. The bounded case study was chosen as the research mode to investigate the problem. Distance Education Centre constituted the bounded case, and the Referral Program formed the unit of analysis. Data collection techniques included audio taped structured interviews with relevant personnel, …

Using Hypermedia To Improve The Dissemination And Accessibility Of Syllabus Documents With Particular Reference To Primary Mathematics, Alistair B. Campbell

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The fundamental question that this study set out to investigate was: Can the advantages of hypermedia be extended to curriculum materials that are for the sole use of teachers? To consider this question, three areas needed to be investigated: hypermedia (the medium); teachers (the target) and curriculum documents (the content). Hypermedia has a long history dating back to Bush (1986) who in 1945 imagined his Memex system as building information trails between ideas. However, it was not until the mid 1980s that technology caught up with the theory and hypermedia came of age. The evaluation of hypermedia documents is still …

A Study Of Time Orientation, Temporal Integration And Reading Comprehension: Back To The Future, Tacey L. Ruffner

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Problem. Lower-track high school students' combination of poor reading comprehension, present time orientation and shortened temporal integration is an area that has been identified in a range of divergent literature, but little studied in terms of educational practice. Previous research into time orientation and temporal integration has failed to investigate a connection with reading comprehension. Purpose. The purpose was to determine if there is a relationship between time orientation, temporal integration, reading achievement/high school track level and reading comprehension. Procedures. Two measures, a Time Orientation Questionnaire and a Cloze Test of Reading Comprehension, previously identified and pilot tested, were employed. …

The Use Of Specific Behavior Interventions With Conduct Disordered Incarcerated Youth To Decrease Disruptive Behavior In A Regular Classroom, Deborah E. Reitsma

Student Work

A review of the literature from recent years indicates that various behavior interventions used with conduct disordered adolescents have a varied rate of success in the area of transference from one realm to another. Much of the research concludes with a suggestion for more research to be done on the topic. The study focused on investigating the use of a three level intervention plan on four students with behavior disorders. Each of the three levels consisted of more invasive interventions. A plan was drawn up by the Behavior Interventionist and the regular classroom teacher and investigated for the effect on …