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Articles 1 - 30 of 163
Full-Text Articles in Education
Co-Teaching For English Learners, Fabiola Addink
Co-Teaching For English Learners, Fabiola Addink
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the effects of a co-teaching model on English learners’ academic performance and confidence levels in the general education classroom in a public middle school in Northwest Iowa. The research participants were five seventh-grade English learners with varying English proficiency levels. Students completed a survey before and after a co-teaching model was implemented to determine their confidence level in a general education social studies classroom. Using data from content and cognitive skill rubrics, a comparison of growth was made between a semester without a co-teaching model and a second semester with a co-teaching model. Findings of …
School Climate Measurement And Analysis, Adrian J. Vandenberg
School Climate Measurement And Analysis, Adrian J. Vandenberg
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined the concept of school climate and measured and analyzed school climate data in a mixed methods study at an independent school in British Columbia. In this study, 341 students participated in a survey which included demographic questions and items from the School Climate Measure (SCM). The quantitative data from the survey measured the school climate in 10 different domains at the school and was used to compare and analyze different subgroups within the student population. Six students were also interviewed to collect qualitative data and analyze the school climate more comprehensively. The data and subsequent …
Preschool Instructional And Assessment Practices At Stepping Stones Preschool, Julie Hoogland
Preschool Instructional And Assessment Practices At Stepping Stones Preschool, Julie Hoogland
Master of Education Program Theses
This phenomenological study included interviewing four individuals involved with the formation and current operation of Stepping Stones Preschool in Sioux Center, Iowa, to determine if their instructional and assessment practices as well as their mission and core values aligned with best practice. Analysis of these practices and experiences was undertaken with the purpose of deepening the understanding of what instructional and assessment best practices look like in a preschool setting. The results of this study show that the best practice recommendations that assessment should be directly connected to the instruction, child-centered, continual, include developmentally-appropriate practices in multiple formats with learning …
Student-Led Conferences In The Early Childhood Classroom, Lizzie Van Wyk
Student-Led Conferences In The Early Childhood Classroom, Lizzie Van Wyk
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project investigated the relationship between student-led conferencing and parent involvement and satisfaction. Student-led conferences were held in four early childhood classrooms in Michigan, in the hopes that parent involvement and satisfaction would increase. A fifth classroom implemented traditional parent-teacher conferences. A parent satisfaction survey was created to measure parent understanding of their student’s academic performance, parent satisfaction, and parent plans for future attendance of conferences. The results indicate that while student-led conferences may impact parent communication and involvement in the classroom, there is not a direct correlation between parent satisfaction and student-led conferences.
Teacher-Directed Interventions Vs. Freckle: A Study In The Efficacy Of Tier Ii Interventions, Kellie Den Hartog
Teacher-Directed Interventions Vs. Freckle: A Study In The Efficacy Of Tier Ii Interventions, Kellie Den Hartog
Master of Education Program Theses
As teacher shortages become greater and student needs increase, schools are trying to find ways to implement Tier II interventions to a growing population of students with fewer qualified adults. Many schools are turning to technology-mediated interventions to meet the needs of students. This study compared the effectiveness of the technology-mediated intervention Freckle to teacher-directed instruction interventions on the overall performance of students on their yearly growth on the Fastbridge aMath test. The study found that both interventions had a similar effect on overall performance, with the technology-mediated intervention being slightly less effective for those students that have trouble with …
The Effect Of Reflection On Retrieval Practice To Self-Regulated Learning, Janean Heyboer
The Effect Of Reflection On Retrieval Practice To Self-Regulated Learning, Janean Heyboer
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the relationship between reflection on retrieval practice quizzes and its effect on students’ ability to self-regulate their learning. Participants in this study included 33 students from a school in California in an honors anatomy and physiology course. Students took an initial survey about self-regulation and participated in retrieval practice quizzes for eight weeks. The experimental group also intentionally practiced reflection during and after the quizzes. The same self-regulated learning survey was conducted at the conclusion of the study and the results were analyzed. The results of the study show reflection on retrieval practice had no …
Impact Of Audiobooks On Reading Attitudes Of Upper Elementary Students, Jessica Grace Dewit
Impact Of Audiobooks On Reading Attitudes Of Upper Elementary Students, Jessica Grace Dewit
Master of Education Program Theses
There is a documented complex relationship between reading attitudes, reading volume, and reading comprehension skills. Stanovich (1986) documented the impact of positive attitudes towards reading on reading volume, and Allington (2014) described how reading volume impacts reading comprehension skills. This mixed methods action research study builds on these studies and explores the use of audiobooks during free reading time to examine their impact on reading attitudes. Twenty-three students in a grade 5/6 class in Alberta, Canada, listened to audiobooks during free reading time for 20 minutes, three times a week, for six weeks. Results indicate no significant change in attitudes …
Effective Board Governance In Covenantal Christian Schools, Justin Raap
Effective Board Governance In Covenantal Christian Schools, Justin Raap
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined the various perspectives around effective board governance of current and former board members and administrators working in covenantal Christian schools. The survey, administered to participants working with covenantal schools across Canada, contained fifteen questions related to effective board governance components. Participants were also able to provide anecdotal qualitative feedback if desired. The results of the study revealed that there is notable agreement as to the importance of various components related to effective board governance in covenantal schools; however, there are a few areas where boards in covenantal schools may have opportunity for growth. These include …
Math Fact Fluency Assessments And Their Impact On Math Anxiety, Kathryn De Vries
Math Fact Fluency Assessments And Their Impact On Math Anxiety, Kathryn De Vries
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the impact math fact fluency assessments have on math anxiety in a central Iowa elementary school. The participants were 15 fourth-grade students who experienced different treatments for a duration of eight weeks. There were five students in each of the control, experimental, and mixed-strategy groups. The control group was given timed tests twice per week, the experimental group participated in one math fact interview per week, and the mixed-strategy group were given both a timed test and a math fact interview once per week. A math anxiety survey was administered before and after treatment, and …
Exploring The Mental Health And Burnout Among Educators, Kelsey Van't Zelfde
Exploring The Mental Health And Burnout Among Educators, Kelsey Van't Zelfde
Master of Education Program Theses
This study examined the internal and external factors that contribute to stress and burnout among teachers in a group of denominational schools located in the United States. Thirty-one educators from these schools participated in a short survey to examine their personal experience with these factors and to identify areas of concern. These educators had varying years of experience. The participants were surveyed about their teaching careers and the results indicate that negative factors such as job satisfaction, workload, classroom management, lack of appreciation and support, and lack of self-care can have a detrimental effect on the mental health of teachers …
Benefits And Barriers Of Block Scheduling, Courtney Huebner
Benefits And Barriers Of Block Scheduling, Courtney Huebner
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study explored the benefits and barriers of block scheduling. Fifty-six teachers from private, Christian schools in Michigan and Iowa participated in a confidential survey which measured academic understanding and methods, and school culture and climate within the block schedule versus traditional scheduling. An analysis of the survey data demonstrated consistent statistical evidence of a correlation between block scheduling and deeper levels of academic understanding, student relationships, and a more positive school climate. The results of the open-ended response questions showed that block scheduling, implemented well with professional development and planning time for lessons, is a benefit to …
Teachers' Perceptions Of Instructional Coaches, Melanie Sharp
Teachers' Perceptions Of Instructional Coaches, Melanie Sharp
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined teachers' perceptions of instructional coaches at a public, rural school in central Iowa. Thirty teachers participated in a confidential survey which examined their coaching experiences, their perceptions about coaching barriers and strategies to overcome those barriers. After the surveys were analyzed, six of the teachers were invited to engage in a follow-up interview to further explore common themes. One notable difference between teachers was found in the perceived role and responsibilities of an instructional coach. Findings of the study suggest that a lack of school structure and norms can greatly impede the teachers’ perceptions of …
The Effectiveness Of Writing Portfolios To Develop Metacognition, Beth Bleeker
The Effectiveness Of Writing Portfolios To Develop Metacognition, Beth Bleeker
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the effectiveness of using writing portfolios to develop metacognitive skills. The participants in this study were twelve Grade 9 students from a school in West Michigan. Students were asked to compile a writing portfolio over the course of eight weeks. Students completed a questionnaire and interview before and after compiling their portfolios. The data from the pre and post questionnaire and interview was then compared to determine if there was a significant increase in metacognitive skills after students had completed their portfolios. The results of this study show writing portfolios have a positive impact on …
Impact Of Career And Technical Education On Student Engagement In Small Suburban Christian Schools, Brad A. Homan
Impact Of Career And Technical Education On Student Engagement In Small Suburban Christian Schools, Brad A. Homan
Master of Education Program Theses
This quantitative research study used a student engagement survey to measure the affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement of students at three small suburban Christian schools that offer career and technical education to their students. The survey asked students to rate the level of their agreement to statements about their engagement in learning. The students represented all four grades of high school. Survey results were analyzed to compare engagement based upon participation in CTE courses, including courses that offered dual credit. The study revealed that CTE participation did, in fact, positively impact student engagement at these Christian schools, including areas of …
Christian School Relationships With Homeschool Families, Karla R. Schwitters
Christian School Relationships With Homeschool Families, Karla R. Schwitters
Master of Education Program Theses
This mixed-methods study began with a survey sent to all CSI superintendents followed up by interviews with a purposeful sample of six school leaders to discover perceived relationship models that exist between Christian schools and homeschool families. Analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data was done with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the current relationship models that exist between Christian schools and homeschool families and to understand the benefits and barriers of the given relationship models. The results of the study suggest that nearly 60% of Christian schools surveyed are choosing some form of relationship with homeschool …
The Successful Adoption Of Teaching For Transformation: Utilizing Kotter's 8-Stage Process For Leading Change, Marcus Todd
The Successful Adoption Of Teaching For Transformation: Utilizing Kotter's 8-Stage Process For Leading Change, Marcus Todd
Master of Education Program Theses
To grow and thrive, schools must be able to adapt and change. Educational institutions undergo many procedural, programmatic, and pedagogical changes, motivated by both external and internal forces, which push and pull a school to pivot from its current status quo. One such significant change is the implementation of Teaching for Transformation (TfT), a design framework for the creation of authentic, formational learning experiences rooted in a transformational worldview, with its core practices being employed in over 100 schools worldwide. To determine whether schools who have successfully transitioned to TfT practices have utilized methods from Kotter’s 8-Stage Process model for …
Factors Influencing Advanced Stem Course Enrollment For Females, Marissa Erickson
Factors Influencing Advanced Stem Course Enrollment For Females, Marissa Erickson
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the reasons that female students enroll in high school elective STEM classes in a rural Iowa high school. The participants were 52 students currently enrolled in an earth science class who responded to an anonymous survey centered around three themes: stereotypes, females in education, and the roles that adults and peers play. The survey clearly showed no significant differences between the perceptions of male and female participants. The results of the survey found that all students, both male and female, do not believe the traditional stereotypes held regarding STEM classes and careers. The results also …
Examining The Relationship Between Teacher Efficacy, Stress, And Email Use, Jonathan Van Santen
Examining The Relationship Between Teacher Efficacy, Stress, And Email Use, Jonathan Van Santen
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study explored the relationship between teacher stress, efficacy, and email use. Nineteen teachers from an international grade school in Asia participated in a confidential survey which measured stress levels, efficacy beliefs, email use, and email management strategies. In the second phase of the research six teachers were interviewed about their perceptions of the role of email in their work life. An analysis of the survey data demonstrated strong statistical evidence of a correlation between email management strategies and teacher efficacy. The results of the survey and interview data showed that email is a source of significant distraction, …
Writing For An Authentic Audience In The Middle Grades, Emily Huffman
Writing For An Authentic Audience In The Middle Grades, Emily Huffman
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the effects of writing for an authentic audience on the achievement and engagement of students in a school in Southern California. The participants were 79 8th graders, split into an experimental group of 40 that wrote a review with the opportunity to be published in The New York Times, and a control group of 39 students that wrote a review for the teacher to read and grade.
Measuring Student Engagement And Student Satisfaction In Online And In-Person High School Classes, Joseph Jasper
Measuring Student Engagement And Student Satisfaction In Online And In-Person High School Classes, Joseph Jasper
Master of Education Program Theses
This research study examined and compared the differences in student engagement and student satisfaction between an online and an in-person entrepreneurship class at a private Christian school in Southern California. The participants were the students in either of the online or in-person sections of the class. The study collected both quantitative data through the use of a survey and qualitative data through the use of open-ended response questions and semistructured interviews with five of the participants. The results of this study found that the levels of student engagement and student satisfaction were slightly higher for the online section than for …
Implications Of Mental Health And Educators, Krista Bosman
Implications Of Mental Health And Educators, Krista Bosman
Master of Education Program Theses
This study examined mental health, work conditions, job satisfaction, and burnout in relation to educators in a rural, private school in the Pacific Northwest. Fourteen educators from the school participated in a compilation of short surveys to examine each research area individually. For full-time educators, the surveys showed that job resources positively correlated with mental health, job demands related negatively with job satisfaction, and mental health correlated negatively with exhaustion. After the surveys were analyzed, six of the full-time educators were invited to partake in a follow-up interview to further explore the possible correlations. In the interviews, educators mentioned the …
School Schedules And Their Impact On Teacher Job Satisfaction, Heidi Vanweelden
School Schedules And Their Impact On Teacher Job Satisfaction, Heidi Vanweelden
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined how the school schedule impacts teacher job satisfaction at a Christian School in southwest British Columbia, Canada. The participants were a selection of six teachers of various discipline areas and years of experience. The six teachers were interviewed about what aspects of the schedule either positively or negatively impact their job satisfaction. The results of the study indicated four key themes connecting schedules and job satisfaction: school politics, relationships, teacher workload, and teaching style. Within each of these themes, there were aspects that positively impacted teacher job satisfaction and aspects that negatively impacted teacher job …
Crew As A Tool To Foster Belonging At School, Leendert De Visser
Crew As A Tool To Foster Belonging At School, Leendert De Visser
Master of Education Program Theses
This research study evaluated the effectiveness of Crew as a model to cultivate a sense of belonging among high school students. Crew, as it was implemented at this school, involved the daily meeting of a group of approximately twelve students of different genders and grade levels with the goal of building a sense of community in the student body. The participants were students at a private Christian high school in Ontario, Canada. The study consisted of a closed-ended survey of the student body and semi-structured interviews with eight students. The results of the study revealed that students perceived Crew, as …
Stress Management For Student-Athletes: Stress Levels And Mitigation Strategies For Athletes And Coaches At A Faith-Based University, Caleb Herman
Master of Education Program Theses
Research demonstrates that college is a stressful time of life, especially for student-athletes who are involved in both athletics and academics (Lopes Dos Santos et al., 2020). While research exists that proposes strategies for helping either students or athletes cope with the stress that they face, very little research specifically addresses the needs of student-athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine effective ways in which coaches can mitigate stress for student-athletes at faith-based universities. Through a measurement of the anxiety and depression levels that student-athletes at Dordt University experience, correlations were made between exhaustion levels, a reduced sense …
Student Perceptions In Temporary And Cohort Groups, David Miedema
Student Perceptions In Temporary And Cohort Groups, David Miedema
Master of Education Program Theses
This research study described student perceptions towards learning and participation for temporary groups and cohort groups. The participants were 101 eighth grade social studies students. For five weeks, students were assigned to regularly work in groups of three to four students. Two classes worked in temporary groups, and two other classes worked in cohort groups. Students completed a pretest-posttest survey and a group work survey after each learning activity to describe group participation and learning. Six students participated in a semi-structured interview to elaborate on their experiences after the study. Results showed that students in cohort groups had a more …
Journey Of Reform: A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceived Impacts Of Standards-Based Grading On Curriculum, Assessment, And Instruction, Melanie K. Cleveringa
Journey Of Reform: A Phenomenological Study Of The Perceived Impacts Of Standards-Based Grading On Curriculum, Assessment, And Instruction, Melanie K. Cleveringa
Master of Education Program Theses
This phenomenological study included interviewing a purposeful sampling of eight teacher-leaders in the Sioux Center Community School District in Sioux Center, Iowa, to discover the perceived impact that the district’s professional development reform to standards-based grading (SBG) and personalized competency-based education (PCBE) had on their curriculum, instructional, and assessment practices - as well as on student learning. Analysis of these experiences and perceptions was undertaken with the intention to deepen the understanding of what implications, principles, and elements might be critical to the following leadership goals around such reform: advancing district-wide guidance around next steps and destinations for short- and …
Disordered Eating Behaviors Amongst Student Athletes, Sarah Wensink
Disordered Eating Behaviors Amongst Student Athletes, Sarah Wensink
Master of Education Program Theses
This research study investigated the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors amongst collegiate athletes as well as factors that increase one’s susceptibility to partake in disordered eating behaviors. The participants were 380 collegiate athletes from a small midwestern university. The participants were student athletes from a variety of different sports. Athletes were requested to complete a 26-item questionnaire that assessed their eating behaviors, perfectionist tendencies, health knowledge, and feelings surrounding body image and satisfaction. This research study explored the relationship between these factors. The results of this study found that female athletes may be more prone to report disordered eating behavior …
Self-Efficacy And Its Effect On Student Achievement In Reading And Math, Morgan Van Hulzen
Self-Efficacy And Its Effect On Student Achievement In Reading And Math, Morgan Van Hulzen
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the degree of relationship between elementary teachers’ self-efficacy in math and reading and student achievement in math and reading in an elementary school in southeast South Dakota. The participants were 279 students in grades three through five along with 13 third through fifth grade teachers. Using NWEA Growth Map Test data, a comparison in student achievement in math and reading was made between students with highly self-efficacious teachers and students whose teachers reported low self-efficacy. The findings of this research did not show a significant difference between math or reading scores of students with teachers …
Peer Coaching At An Independent School, Lindsay Anderson
Peer Coaching At An Independent School, Lindsay Anderson
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated the effects of peer coaching on an independent school’s culture, professional development, and growth mindset. The participants were eight middle scholar teachers, including the researcher. Each participant volunteered to be a part of a peer coaching pilot team in the spring semester of the 2018-2019 school year. Throughout the course of the pilot program, the participants were surveyed and interviewed independently on the topics of school culture, professional development, and growth mindset. As a team, the participants engaged in pre-observation, observation, and post-observation meetings as well as a final interview to debrief the pilot peer …
Technology Use In The Classroom, Danny Mooers
Technology Use In The Classroom, Danny Mooers
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated students’ perceptions about the use the use of technology in the classroom. The participants were English Language Arts students at a high school in Iowa. The participants included 33 freshman, 28 juniors and 15 seniors. Students were given a survey to gauge their perceptions of how the use of technology in the classroom impacted their engagement and allowed them to meet learning targets. Additionally, the survey examined students’ perceptions regarding the benefits and limitations of technology in the classroom. The results of this study suggest that students perceived the use of technology to be more …