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Full-Text Articles in Education

Incorporating Physical Activity Breaks Before Math Improves Students Overall On-Task Behavior, Larissa Surprenant Jul 2021

Incorporating Physical Activity Breaks Before Math Improves Students Overall On-Task Behavior, Larissa Surprenant

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study will focus on incorporating physical activity before math into a Kindergarten classroom, to help improve on-task behavior. The study was conducted over a four-week period in one Kindergarten classroom. Data was collected to determine if physical activity or brain breaks help improve students' on-task behavior during the math mini-lesson. Two weeks consisted of the students not receiving the brain break/physical activity intervention and the next two weeks consisted of implementing the brain break/physical activity intervention. After the four-week trial, students showed increased on-task behavior after completing the brain break/physical activity. The conclusion stated …


Impacts Of Unplugged Activities In Computer Science, Chad Bergmeier Jul 2021

Impacts Of Unplugged Activities In Computer Science, Chad Bergmeier

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Computer Science is a fast-growing subject amongst schools. Inside of the program, Computer Science, programming or coding is generally taught. Students will typically learn to code by first using a computer and following instructions. The purpose of this literature review is to research different ideas about unplugged activities used while teaching coding in Computer Science. Unplugged activities are projects that are conducted in hands-on activities instructing students how to code before using a computer. The question that this paper is looking to answer is “What impacts do unplugged activities have on students learning to code?” The research conducted will give …


Using The Ipad Application Ixl And Its Effects On Fast Assessment Scores, Carly Lenhoff Jul 2021

Using The Ipad Application Ixl And Its Effects On Fast Assessment Scores, Carly Lenhoff

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effectiveness of using the iPad application IXL during math rotations in the transitional kindergarten classroom and the outcomes of the FAST assessment composite scores. The researcher conducted the study over eight weeks in a transitional kindergarten in Northwest Iowa. Nine students participated eight-ten minutes two-three times a week. The researcher collected quantitative data through the IXL program along with FAST test scores. Results suggest that the use of IXL program advances transitional kindergarten FAST composite scores.


Formative Assessment And Technology In The Mathematics Classroom, Albert Humes Jul 2021

Formative Assessment And Technology In The Mathematics Classroom, Albert Humes

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review investigates the use of formative assessment and technology in the classroom. There has been research to show that mathematics proficiency has dropped recently in the United States and researchers are looking to identify new strategies for student growth. Utilizing formative assessments, as well as targeted, immediate feedback for students, can help to improve student learning. As educational technology becomes more prevalent, more studies and research are focused around its effectiveness toward student achievement. The research found that formative assessment strategies, coupled with new technologies, can positively impact student achievement.


Math Talks Impact On Students In St Math, Rachel Coulter Jul 2021

Math Talks Impact On Students In St Math, Rachel Coulter

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine the impact math talks had on student performance in ST Math and how math talks impact students’ understanding of mathematical concepts outside of ST Math. This action research study was conducted in two sixth-grade classrooms at an Intermediate School in Central Iowa. Quantitative data was collected via the number of puzzles individual students completed per minute. Quantitative data was also collected in the comparative number of correct responses on a pre and posttest over the mathematical concept students covered in ST Math. The results of the study showed students had …


Science In The Elementary Classroom, Melissa Birkey Jul 2021

Science In The Elementary Classroom, Melissa Birkey

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The elementary school day is filled with many different aspects of learning. Math and reading have been the emphasis of teaching over the last decade. Science is a part of students learning that needs to find its way into the elementary school day. This literature review compares different curriculum that is used to teach science in the elementary classroom as well as discusses an effective use of time to implement science into the daily schedule. When considering when and how to teach science, some teachers incorporate into other curricular areas as others find its own time during the day. Multiple …


The Effect Of Cold-Calling On Voluntary Participation In A Middle School Science Classroom, Kris Birkland Apr 2021

The Effect Of Cold-Calling On Voluntary Participation In A Middle School Science Classroom, Kris Birkland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research study investigated the effect of cold-calling on voluntary participation in a middle school science classroom. Four sections of an eighth grade science class were observed: two of the sections were with a teacher who used cold-calling often, and two of the sections were with a teacher who does not use cold-calling. An observer recorded the number of students who volunteered to answer a question after it was first asked. Although the students in the class with the teacher who used cold-calling frequently had higher rates of voluntary participation, the results were not statistically significant; therefore, there is …


Increase Enrollment Of Underrepresented Students In Advanced Mathematics Classes: A School Improvement Plan, Sarah Dougherty Apr 2021

Increase Enrollment Of Underrepresented Students In Advanced Mathematics Classes: A School Improvement Plan, Sarah Dougherty

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Providing minority students with the opportunity to engage in advanced mathematics courses affords them access to more engaging learning opportunities, increased motivational beliefs towards mathematics, and potentially higher future earnings dependent on the career they pursue. Examining the present enrollment statistics in math courses at the research site, the need to transform the enrollment in advanced math courses to represent the school population demographics is revealed. In response, a school improvement plan was developed using research-based initiatives. This plan includes teaching a mixture of advanced and non-advanced math courses, teachers advising non-AP and non-IB students to enroll in advanced math …


The Effect Of Interleaved Practice In A High School Chemistry Class, Alex Herrington Apr 2021

The Effect Of Interleaved Practice In A High School Chemistry Class, Alex Herrington

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Determining practices to produce optimal learning outcomes is a foundational objective for educators. Recent publications have identified the importance of practice sequencing structures (blocked vs interleaved) on learning. While this information has significant value for education, few studies have been conducted in authentic educational environments. This action research involved high school chemistry students (n=25) completing a practice assignment covering mole-mass conversions. One group practiced these problems in a blocked organization while the other was interleaved. Immediately following this assignment, students noted their completion time and rated their perceived difficulty. Three days later, students were given an unannounced interleaved assessment of …


Math Fact Fluency Instruction, Kelsey Nickel Apr 2021

Math Fact Fluency Instruction, Kelsey Nickel

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review investigates the purpose and importance of math facts instruction at the elementary level. Being able to know basic math facts both fluently and accurately is the foundation of mathematics education. There has been research showing the lack of math facts knowledge for the students in the United States compared to their peers in other countries. Math curriculum does not focus on math facts instruction enough to achieve mastery without the use of supplemental strategies. There has been research done on the strategies to study the effectiveness. These strategies include rote memorization strategies, computer assisted instruction, educational games, …


Action Research Project: Using Mobymax To Increase Student's Fact Fluency, Brooke Faber Apr 2021

Action Research Project: Using Mobymax To Increase Student's Fact Fluency, Brooke Faber

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This action research was pursued by the researcher's inquisitiveness about math fact fluency specifically using the technological platform MobyMax Fact Fluency to help boost student's fact fluency. The researcher is a first-grade teacher in her 8th year of teaching. The whole class of 17 students were a part of the class-wide research study. The five-week study examined the use of technology in the classroom. Specifically, the use of MobyMax Fact Fluency to determine if students showed growth in their fact fluency knowledge. Throughout the study, students were progress monitored every two weeks. The data suggests that with the implementation of …


The Importance Of Using Manipulatives In Math Class, Jennifer Lange Apr 2021

The Importance Of Using Manipulatives In Math Class, Jennifer Lange

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review synthesizes research on how the use of manipulatives in math class benefit the learner. The problem is that the students are not always given the opportunity to explore and learn through the use of math manipulatives in order to gain a strong foundation and understanding of mathematical concepts. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the benefits of using manipulatives in the classroom and the impact it has on student achievement levels. The literature review is made up of research studies published within the last 10 years and explores the different types of manipulatives, levels …