Education Commons^™

The Effects Of Learning To Learn: Nine Years Of Data From Western Michigan University, Kimberly A. Morrill

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect the LTL course had on student grade point averages and graduation rates at Western Michigan University. Three hundred fifty seven undergraduate students who took the LTL class between Fall semester 1987 and Winter semester 1995 were selected as the experimental group. The LTL students were divided into categories based on whether they were Beginners, Transfers, or Re-entries. The three groups of students were matched with control subjects based on demographic variables and academic history using logistic regression. Statistics were computed on all subjects in terms of the differences between the …

Coherence And Historical Understanding In Children's Biography And Historical Nonfiction Literature: A Content Analysis Of Selected Orbis Pictus Books, Sandip Leeanne Wilson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate a selection of children's historical nonfiction literature for evidence of coherence. Although research has been conducted on coherence of textbook material and its influences on comprehension there has been limited study on coherence in children's nonfiction literature. Generally, textual coherence has been seen as critical in the comprehensibility of content area textbooks because it concerns the unity of connections among ideas and information. Disciplinary coherence concerns the extent to which authors of historical text show readers how historians think and write. Since young readers are apprentices in learning historical content and conventions …

A Study Of The Effect Of Group Family Play On Family Relations For Families With Children Considered At-Risk For Educational Failure, Carmen Colleen Baldus

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of The Academic Achievement Of Primary School Students In Multiage And Traditional Classrooms., Mary Frances Harmon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether students in a kindergarten/first-grade multiage class achieve at a different level than students enrolled in a traditional kindergarten or first-grade class in a selected primary school in East Tennessee. The question of the interaction between gender and type of instruction was also analyzed.

The causal comparative quantitative research method was used to analyze data differentiating between students enrolled in multiage and traditional classes, retrospectively. A t-test was used to determine the level of performance the students demonstrated on the BRIGANCE K Screen at the beginning of the study. The number of …

Strategies To Ease The Negative Effects Of Mobility On Academic Achievement., D.Kaye Reed Thomas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mobility, the movement of students from school to school, affects students, classrooms, schools, and systems. Extensive research has been conducted on the relationship between mobility and student academics. Although the research has not determined mobility is the cause of lower academic scores, it is certainly a contributing factor. Most students with high mobility rates also have difficulty in math, reading, or language. Teachers of classrooms with these students tend to "flatten" the curriculum by reviewing more than usual. Long-range planning for these students can be difficult. Schools and systems may plan programs for students who have moved on by the …

Effects Of Software Use On The Preparation Of The Individualized Education Programs (Iep’S), Nancy Ann Beukema

Dissertations

Special educators are required to process paperwork mandated by federal regulations for students with special needs. The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA ’97, Public Law 105-17) requires the evaluation of students with special needs occur as frequently as their non-disabled peers. An annual review is also mandated for each student’s individualized educational program (IEP), in order to reevaluate the future goals and objectives of the IEPs. A student identified as needing special education services is one who needs specially designed instruction and this instruction must meet the specific individual needs of that student. IDEA ‘97 mandates the need …

Learning To Construct Proofs In A First Course On Mathematical Proof, Peter R. Atwood

Dissertations

This study examined the conceptions o f proof that undergraduate students have upon entry to a transition course on mathematical proof how they develop skill in planning and reporting proofs, obstacles encountered, and effects of instruction on their performance in solidifying schema in proof-planning and proof-reporting.

The subjects were sophomores and juniors (n=16) in a transition course at a large midwestern university. The course was taught by one o f the co-authors o f the text, "Mathematical Proofs" (Chartrand, Polimeni, and Zhang, 1999, in press). Assessment of learning to construct proofs was through quizzes and a final exam developed by …

New Teachers’ Perceptions Of Discipline-Related School Problems And Teacher Satisfaction, Amy L. Kavanaugh

Dissertations

Satisfaction The public is concerned with school safety because of recent school shootings resulting in multiple deaths. Educators are concerned that perceptions of school safety may affect new teacher attrition.

Three questions were examined in this study: (1) What is the trend of new teachers’ perceptions of discipline-related school problems? (2) Do new teachers’ perceptions of school problems vary by teacher gender, school level, size, location, and percentage of minority students?, and (3) Are new teachers’ perceptions of school problems related to their professional satisfaction?

National data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics through the Schools and Staffing …

Factors That Effect The Course/Subject Selection Process Of High School Students Of African Descent, Denise-Bonnette Jones

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Advanced societies require technologically literate citizens who can solve problems, manage complexities, find and use resources, and learn and apply evolving technologies (Owen, 1997). Today's rapidly changing economy is defined by constantly evolving technologies and falling behind is a recipe for disaster (Augustine, 1997). At the forefront is a reality that for most people, particularly the youth, the period during and beyond high school is marked by important career decision-making tasks. Determining what to do next in their lives remains an important but arduous developmental task for the youth leaving secondary school. As the world of work becomes more complex …

A Systems Approach To Designing An Internship Model That Benefits The Sponsoring Organization, Peter-Comelius Dams

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Distance Education Learner Demographics At Morehead State University, Barry Pelphrey

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Vocational Education/Technology by Barry Pelphrey on May 11, 2001.

Participation In Graduate Level Coursework And Self-Efficacy Development Of Provisionally Licensed Special Education Teachers, Amy Corvello Mcginley

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) whether participation in graduate level coursework increased the self-efficacy of provisionally licensed special education teachers, (b) whether participation in graduate level coursework increased the self-efficacy of general education teachers and, (c) if there was a difference between the self-efficacy beliefs of the two groups of teachers. A total of twenty-three provisionally licensed special education and general education teachers in rural Virginia responded to both a pre and post questionnaire consisting of 30 items designed to assist the teacher in assessing his/her self-efficacy beliefs. The working hypothesis was that the provisionally licensed …

A Study To Determine The Teacher Education Students Five Year Performances On Praxis Ii Assessment At Morehead State University, Yuliana Susanto

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Vocational Education/Technology by Yuliana Susanto on April 30, 2001.

A Survey Of Student Participation In The Iep Process, Elizabeth A. Edgemon

Theses & Honors Papers

The purpose of this research was to investigate teachers' compliance with the portion of the IDEA '97 amendments that mandates participation in the IEP process by students 14 and older, or younger than transition is discussed. Researcher-developed surveys were sent to middle and high school special education throughout Virginia. The results of these surveys reflect teachers' compliance with this component of the IDEA Amendments of 1997. Nearly all of the teachers surveyed reported that at least some of their students were present at their most recent IEP meeting and though less than half of those students had any preparation for …

The Effect Of Food Safety Training On The Knowledge, Behavior/Attitude And Health Of Fourth Graders And Their Parents, Todd W. Tonova

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Education is an important part of a person's daily life. Basic, fundamental skills for daily living should be part of this education. At present, there is no consistent type of food safety training given to all students in the United States public school system. The aforementioned food safety training should involve the basic skills of personal hygiene: including hand-washing; understanding bacteria, their ability to multiply, and travel into our homes and our refrigerators; proper temperatures of food products; and safe steps of food-handling. These safe steps of food handling include: safe cooling procedures, safe thawing procedures, and proper washing of …

The Effects Of Educational Development Plans Motivation To Learn, And Attitudes And Behaviors Toward Learning Among Eighth Graders, Mary Alice Schultz-Krajenta

Dissertations

Educational Development Plans (EDP) have been utilized by school students to structure their curricular programs to meet their high school educational outcomes and to align their curriculum with their desired adult roles. The focus of this study was to examine the effects of EDPs on motivation, attitudes and behaviors towards learning.

A total of 342 eighth-grade students participated in this research which utilized a quantitative and a qualitative approach. The quantitative study used existing data obtained from a small Midwest school district. There were 151 students in the treatment group and 191 students in the control group. Scores from the …

The Effects Of Inclusion And The Virginia Standards Of Learning On Students With Mild Mental Retardation, Heather G. Duffy

Theses & Honors Papers

This study examined the perceptions of general educators towards the educational placement of students with mild mental retardation within the general education classroom and the implications, if any, that the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) have on instructional modifications . The subjects were elementary, middle, and high school general education teachers . The data were collected through a Likert scale questionaire using both descriptive and inferential statistics tested at a .05 significance level. The results indicated no significant differences in the perceptions of SOL based on school level teaching and years of experience. However, the findings did suggest significant differences …

Developing A Model Career Pathway Curriculum For South Kitsap School District, Esther L. Albertus

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model Career Pathway Curriculum for South Kitsap School District. To achieve this purpose, current research and an examination of literature and evaluation of current models in place were considered and reviewed. Additionally, recommendations and specific policies were adapted and developed to meet the needs of the South Kitsap School District community.

Recipe For Reading: A Handbook For Parents In A First Grade Classroom, Katherine R. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

A handbook, supported by research on parent involvement and reading was developed to help promote literacy in beginning readers. The handbook incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to participate in pre-assigned activities together. Each activity involves a different type of strategy designed to help their child become a successful reader.

Strategies For Reaching At-Risk Elementary Students For Teachers Grades K-5, Lisa T. Boyd

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a handbook to assist elementary teachers meeting the needs of at-risk students. The strategies and ideas included in the handbook were selected on the bases of current research and literature. In addition, input was solicited from teachers, parents, and administrators for the Clover Park School District in the State of Washington.

A Model Curriculum And Intructional Program For Native American Studies Grades 11-12, Terry Cosentino

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model curriculum and instructional program for Native American Studies, grades 11 - 12 at Tenino High School, Tenino Washington. To accomplish this purpose a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, information and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Handbook Of Hiring And Employment Practices And Procedures For Selected Private K-12 Schools, Jan Marie Brown

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a model handbook of hiring and employment practices and procedures for private K-12 schools. To accomplish this purpose a review of literature and current policies or procedures from public and private schools, agencies and organizations was conducted. Additional related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Resource Guide For Bridging The Cultural Gap Between Hispanic Parents And Their Children's Teachers In An Elementary School Setting, Shawna D. Greene

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to increase the involvement of Hispanic parents to result in higher student achievement in the elementary school. Research on cultural barriers of Hispanic parent involvement and the programs that schools have implemented to overcome cultural barriers was examined. A resource guide for elementary school teachers was developed in order to help teachers find ways to overcome the cultural barriers of parent involvement in schools.

A Model Program For Transitioning Students From Naches Valley Middle School To Naches Valley High School, Anne Mccormick Berg

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model program for the eighth grade graduates from Naches Valley Middle School transitioning to the ninth grade at Naches Valley High School. The intent of the program was to increase the ninth grade student academic and social success. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature, research and selected programs related to transitioning middle school students and parent involvement in the transition, were studied. A program was designed, developed and implemented at Naches Valley High School in the Naches Valley School District, Naches, Washington.

The Development And Design Of An Exit Program For High School Career Pathway Graduates, Christine Lynn Gruver

All Graduate Projects

This project is about a new concept; a program that will change the way we assess high school students. The purpose of this project was to design and implement an assessment portfolio process entitled "The Tiger Futures Program" for Ephrata High School in the state of Washington. The program was designed as a three-year pilot program beginning in the 2000-2001 school year and fully implemented by 2002-2003. At that time it will become a graduation requirement. The program involved career pathways, portfolios, and exit interviews. The results showed that the program followed state and district standards and requirements. It also …

A Manual For First Year Special Education Teachers, Billye June Dillard

All Graduate Projects

Special education faculty and staff face specific problems in educating children with distinctive needs. Overly high workloads for new teachers and paraprofessionals increase the amount of pressure placed on indi victuals faced with inclusion. This manual is designed to be used as a guide to help teachers through their initial introduction to the classroom. Special Education Law, Inclusion, Motivation Techniques for Special Children, and Parent Involvement are discussed. In addition, valuable resources for further exploration are provided.

The Cooperative Approach: A Handbook For Elementary Physical Education Teachers Focusing On Cooperation Within The Pe Curriculum, Michael D. Johnson

All Graduate Projects

After being transferred to teach physical education, I wanted to prepare myself by gaining some background knowledge on foundations, concepts, and objectives in physical education. I noticed a large transformation in recent years from curriculums focusing on competitive, self-defeating games, to an approach aimed at teaching skills, cooperation and teamwork. I compiled research on the history, goals and intent, and cooperation and teamwork in the physical education curriculum. I also compiled research on the national and state standards, and evaluation and grading in the physical education program. Based on the research, I created a handbook for physical education teachers. The …

Conflict Resolution Skills For Elementary Teachers, Jenna K. Blythe

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a conflict resolution resource for teachers to use with elementary school children. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to classroom conflict, conflict resolution skills and school violence issues were reviewed. The research demonstrated that students who are taught to deal with conflict at an early age are more inclined to be peaceable problem solvers as they go through school. The goals of this project are to provide teachers with lesson plans that can integrate conflict resolution skills and concepts into their curriculum in the hope that they would prevent …

The Conceptual Guidelines And Considerations For The Development Of Elementary Charter Schools In The State Of Washington, Janice Louise Mirro

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a conceptual set of guidelines and considerations for the development of Elementary Charter Schools in the State of Washington. To accomplish this purpose a review ofliterature related to charter schools and their development was conducted followed by a mail reply survey. A wide variety of sources, including journal articles, books, newspaper reports, interviews, and printed material (organizational by-laws, school pamphlets, etc.) from existing charter schools across the nation were studied and synthesized into the findings. As a result of this study a comprehensive conceptual set of guidelines were developed.

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness: Developing Phonemic Awareness In First Grade Students Through A Backpacking Program, Shannon Kaye Sanger

All Graduate Projects

The role of phonemic awareness in beginning reading acquisition was researched. Studies suggested that the presence of phonemic awareness in young children facilitates learning to read. Research also suggested a positive relationship between parental involvement and reading acquisition. A handbook containing activities designed for use in a backpacking program was created. The activities involve parents in developing phonemic awareness in their children. These activities are to be sent home with students and completed with the assistance of their parents. The handbook also contains assessments and instructions for teachers regarding the implementation of this backpacking program.