Education Commons^™

“Been There---Ah, Haven’T Tried It That Way”: A Professional Effort To Differentiate Instruction, Donna M. Sobel

Essays in Education

It goes without saying that the most critical component of preparing educators lies in their ability to competently teach. Differentiation provides a framework to develop classrooms where realities of genuine student variance can be addressed with curricular realities. The author describes a professional development project that differentiated a series of teacher workshops that were designed to increase teachers’ perceived competency to differentiate instruction. The purpose here is to describe a collaboratively created and implemented professional development program designed to train staff in ways to differentiate instruction for all learners. Sample training activities, along with perceptions from participants and suggestions for …

Lessons Learned From The "It Takes A Valley" Program: Recruitng And Retaining Future Teachers To Serve High-Needs Schools, Amy Strage, Susan Meyers, Janet Norris

Faculty Publications

“It Takes a Valley” is a teacher preparation program that aims to recruit and retain teachers in schools that serve students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This program provides future teachers with extensive early teaching experience and chances to develop strategies for success in this type of educational context. The theoretical basis for this program's approach is examined, some key aspects of the program are considered, the initial evaluation of the program and the lessons learned to date are explored, the challenges and growing pains encountered by the program are examined, and the implications of the program for teacher education are …

The Effects Of Cooperative Learning On Mathematics Achievement For Third Grade Students, Angelina M. Carione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cooperative learning on mathematics achievement. It was hypothesized that students who worked cooperatively during mathematics practice would achieve a higher test score on the post-test than students who did not work together. The subjects of the study were forty third grade students form a southern New Jersey school district. The study consisted of an experimental and a control group. Both groups were administered a pre-test. The experimental group then participated in cooperative learning during mathematics practice for a seven-week period. Both groups were post-tested after seven weeks.

Calculations proved …

The Effect Of Interactive Bulletin Boards On Mathematics Achievement In Fourth Grade, Kathleen M. Charlton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect the use of interactive bulletin boards, when used as manipulative learning tools which reinforce basic arithmetic through repetition on a daily basis, have on the final marking period grades of fourth grade students. It was hypothesized that fourth grade students who experience the daily use of interactive bulletin boards that contain manipulative parts to reinforce basic arithmetic skills as a part of their mathematics instruction will exhibit significantly higher marking period grades in mathematics than students who do not experience such bulletin boards on a daily basis.

The design of …

The Effect Of Color As A Visual Aid In Mathematics Instruction, Jennifer L. Valinote

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if fifth grade students who were exposed to colorful symbols and numbers during mathematics instruction would have significantly higher achievement than those students who were taught without the use of colorful symbols and numbers. The sample used in this investigation consisted of two heterogeneous fifth grade mathematics classes. Students in both groups were given pretests on the multiplication and division of fractions. After the pre-test the subjects that comprised the experimental group received a three week treatment. The subjects that comprised the control group were taught the same lessons, yet not exposed …

Instituting Issue-Based Civics In The 11th Grade Classroom, Nicholas J. Diblasi, Carissa Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

There were several goals of this study. The first goal of this study was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's attitude for and appreciation in civics. The second goal was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's comprehension levels in civics. The last of these goals was to identify if the school a student attended had any impact on their attitude toward and appreciation of civics and comprehension levels in civics. The study was conducted on a sample of 70 11th grade students enrolled in American History II college …

Redefining High School American Literature In A Diverse Nation, Nancy M. Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate why high school students in America study American literature that includes a majority of writers of white western European descent and excludes writers of multicultural backgrounds. This study also analyzed if exposure to works by multicultural writers changes students' perceptions of what constitutes American literature. The participants included 3 classes of American literature students (N=44) and American literature teachers (N=6) in a predominantly white high school. The study included a combination of textbook content analysis, teacher interviews, and an intervention consisting of a Latino literature unit taught to student participants. Key …

The Effect Of Teacher Intervention, Role Modeling, And A Gender-Balanced Bulletin Board Design On 10th Grade Male Students' Writing Apprehension, Laurie Bartolomeo

Theses and Dissertations

The first goal of this study was to identify any preexisting differences in the levels of writing apprehension between males and females in a sample of 85 10th grade high school students enrolled in English classes available during a spring 2002 student teaching placement. An adapted form of John A. Daly and Michael D. Miller's (1975) Likert-scaled Writing Apprehension Measure was used to assess the participants' levels of apprehension. Results of the first survey revealed that male participants did display a higher level of writing apprehension but the difference did not reach a level of statistical significance (p < .05). The second phase of the study involved a 4-month treatment period that included teacher intervention, role modeling, and a gender-balanced bulletin board design in an attempt to make a positive change in the male students' levels of writing apprehension. The same survey was administered to 36 males and 36 females following treatment to determine if any change occurred. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed there was no statistically significant effect of treatment on either the male or female participants (p < .05); however, a decrease in the levels of writing apprehension was seen in the means of the scores across all groups.

Divisibility: A Problem Solving Approach Through Generalizing And Specializing, Rina Zazkis

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes a divisibility rule for any prime number as an engaging problem-solving activity for preservice secondary school mathematics teachers.

Effective Technology Integration: A Plan For Professional Development, Craig G. Dunlap

Master of Education Research Theses

Is educational technology effective in increasing student learning? If technology is an effective tool in the classroom, how can teachers best be trained to use it appropriately? An experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a constructivist math class utilizing computer technology as well as other tools. The study occurred in a Christian school in Northern Kentucky using fifty-one sixth grade students. One class comprised the control group, with math instruction that differed little from the traditional background of the school. The other class was the experimental group, which used the Internet, spread sheets, word processors, and measuring devices …

The Effect Of Male Timbre Vocal Modeling In Falsetto And Non-Falsetto On The Singing And Pitch Accuracy Of Second Grade Students, Douglas Adam Tranz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of male falsetto and non-falsetto vocal stimuli on the pitch-matching accuracy of second grade students. The investigator also investigated the following: (1) would there be a difference in pitch-matching accuracy to the two vocal stimuli based upon gender; and (2) would there be a difference in the pitch-matching accuracy of students receiving vocal modeling presented in non-falsetto.

The sample for this study included 90 students in four second-grade general music classes.

During the 12 week treatment period, students in the control and experimental groups received the same music instruction; however, …

The Effect Of Collaborative Teaching On The Academic Achievement, Incidence Of Discipline Referrals, And Attitudes Toward School Of Fourth, Fifth, And Sixth Grade Regular And Special Education Students, Kathleen N. Papa

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if collaborative teaching had a positive effect on the academic achievement, incidence of discipline referrals, and attitudes toward school of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade regular and special education elementary school students.

The report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals (demerits, detentions, and suspensions) from the first two marking periods of the 2000-2001 school year (prior to collaborative teaching) were averaged and compared to the report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals of the first two marking periods of the 2001-2002 school year of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students …

Study Of The Use Of Telecommunications In The Classroom, Ed Ewing

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of integration of technology in the classroom. Specifically, the study was to look at computer software and related Internet and telecommunication usage.

The study took place in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties in New Jersey. Teachers in four public school districts from each county were invited to participate. A letter was sent to the chief administrator of each selected school district, explaining the purpose and significance of the study. A packet was also sent to each teacher in the participating schools. The packet included an introductory letter and a …

Electronic Teacher Portfolio, Linda H. Drucker, Marguerite A. Paolone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project is to determine the value of using an electronic teacher portfolio to document instructional methods and strategies. Research suggested the possible use of electronic portfolios by teachers to compile genuine representations of their personal style, creativity, and methodology.

As models of electronic teacher portfolios were limited, we created a template using HyperStudio 4.0 and an accompanying guidebook, so teachers could easily create a personalized electronic teacher portfolio.

To evaluate the guidebook's ease of use, we disseminated the materials to one technologically experienced teacher and one with basic computer knowledge. While creating their own electronic …

Webquest Depository, Ella Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to create a web site that teachers could use to assist them to integrate technology into their classroom and to create a constructivist learning environment that would be conducive to teaching and learning higher order thinking skills.

The federal government requires technology integration in academic institutions. As, a result, every classroom is to be equipped with five computers. Teachers must update their pedagogical proficiencies to include technology. In addition, teachers must adapt their curriculum to accommodate the use of technology. Research has shown that a constructivist teaching style is an excellent means for students …

Directed Teaching And Constructivist Teaching And Technology, Brandy Patch

Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of the computer in the classroom as a tool to provide instruction and aid learning has had a profound impact on how educators deliver instruction. Computers have become such an important instructional tool that many educators have had to rethink and reevaluate their beliefs and ideas about the ways in which they instruct students and how students learn.

Most educators have encouraged and promoted the use of computers in the classroom to assist them in providing students with an efficient and up-to-date means of acquiring the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in learning. Because of its …

Midi Sequencing In The Elementary Classroom, Jann M. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to provide students and educators with an easy to follow manual that will help them learn and successfully participate in MIDI sequencing in an elementary educational and personal setting.

Research for the study involved the review of the New Jersey Core Standards and national standards for music and music technology in education. Music technology websites for educators were also reviewed. A case study group of seven fifth grade students was formed for the project. This group was known as the Music Technology Club. The purpose of the group was to learn MIDI sequencing through …

New Jersey Elementary School Proficiency Assessment (E.S.P.A) Mathematics Analysis: Open-Ended Questions, Scoring Rubrics, Developmental Activities And Manipulatives With Scope Of Skills For Grades K-4, Joyce Marian Scholz

Theses and Dissertations

This document provides a resource which may be used by elementary teachers to gain understanding of the State Standards, the construction and purpose of E.S.P.A., the scoring of open-ended questions and the scope of development of fourth grade skills through the elementary grades. There are three sections of this document, which include the following: the "Macro Development and Open-ended Listing For Grade 4", the Mathematics Skill Development For E.S.P.A.: Grades K - 4" and the "Mathematics Manipulatives Listing." Each section provides important information pertaining to appropriate teaching to prepare students for E.S.P.A.

This document may be used by teachers in …

The Association Between Learning Processes And Formal Music Electives Among Sixth Grade Music Students, Anthony C. Varga

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of learning process frequencies among sixth grade music students who elect to participate in musical ensembles. Is there an association between the student's choice of elective music ensemble and their learning process?

Forty-five sixth grade music students participated in the study with their parents' permission. Subjects were administered the Learning Combination Inventory during their scheduled music class. They were asked to first respond to 28 Likert-type statements rating their answers as best fitting their own individual learning. The second part of the instrument required the subjects to respond to three …

When Human Life Begins, Susan K.P. Das

Theses and Dissertations

The moment attributed to the beginning of human life is debated not only in religious and political communities, but within the scientific community as well. Particular attention is given to this issue as advances in science make it possible to manipulate the embryo and fetus at early stages of development. This study explores these issues as they are revealed in the literature. In particular, examination of the stages of human development associated with this issue and the correlation between these stages and their influence on ethical concerns in current scientific technologies such as abortion, cloning, and embryonic stem cell experimentation.

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Betty Biodgett, Cate Weeks

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

School University Partnerships : What Do The Schools Want?, Laurie Brady

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The growing perception of a need for robust school university partnerships to improve the quality of teacher education, and to promote learning outcomes for school students, has been given further impetus by the Ramsey recommendations in Quality Matters (2000). This article briefly reviews the literature on both professional development schools, and recent school university partnership initiatives in Australia, and reports a survey of all state primary school principals in NSW, on their support for a broad range of school university partnership activities. The findings indicate strong and uniform support for the full range of activities including supervision and mentoring, collaborative …

Year 12 Students' Perceptions Of Deputy Principals' Effect On The Religious Culture In Catholic Secondary Schools, Robert Novacsek, John R. Godfrey

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Research on how Deputy Principals affect the religious culture of Secondary Catholic Schools is extremely limited. Deputy Principals may play a crucial role in shaping the culture of schools in many ways, religious and otherwise. This study examined Year 12 students perception of the effect Deputy Principals have on the religious culture in their schools. Year 12 students have an insight into the role of Deputy Principals as they have more extensive school experience than the other high school grades; the nature of their interaction with Deputy Principals is more varied; and as they approach the conclusion of their secondary …

Beginning Teachers As Teacher-Researchers, Jan Gray, Glenda Campbell-Evans

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

There has been a growing recognition in the international education community over the last decade of the need to begin the development of teacher-researchers in preservice courses. This paper explores the perceptions of professional empowerment of beginning teachers and their development as active teacher-researchers, drawing on data from surveys conducted in Western Australia of the 1999 and 2000 preservice teacher cohort. Consistent with issues emerging from current literature, the survey data confirmed the over-riding survival mindset of beginning teachers. However, responses also provided evidence of a research mindset open to opportunities later in their teaching career and the professional confidence …

The Literacy Lexicon, Susan Statkus

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Geoff Bull & Michele Anstey (eds) (2002). The Literacy Lexicon Second Edition, Prentice Hall.

Reading And Phonological Awareness Gains In A Second/Third Grade Bridge Class, Lian Chen

Theses & Honors Papers

Reading is a fundamental skill that is used on a daily basis as we are bombarded with print. It is also the basis for the majority of formal education. When someone lacks the skills and strategies needed to read, reading becomes a frustrating experience. The key to overcoming deficits in reading is prevention utilizing research-based methodology. This widely debated topic has lead to the recognition of the necessity of the infusing of phonics into the instruction. In this study, a one-on-one, cross age peer tutoring program using systematic, explicit phonics instruction, Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons, …

Ua35/2/3 Part-Time Faculty At Wku: Recommendations For Recognition & Status Improvements, Wku Council Of Academic Deans

WKU Archives Records

Summary report of committee whose purpose was to secure information and ideas for recognition of part-time faculty.

Relationship Of Secondary Special Educators' Disciplinary Style To Teacher Burnout And Teacher Self-Efficacy, Ashley E. Wall

Theses & Honors Papers

Burnout and attrition among special education teachers has become a major problem in public schools today. Stress in the classroom, stemming mostly from inappropriate student behaviors, is one of the key sources of teacher burnout. Disciplinary styles and self-efficacy contribute to the risk of burnout. The authoritative disciplinary style is ideal in the classroom. Teachers work with students and negotiate with them, and the students develop a sense of responsibility in the classroom. Teachers who have a high sense of self-efficacy generally adopt the authoritative approach and have a lower degree of burnout. The results of this study indicate that …

From Neologisms To Social Practice: An Analysis Of The Wanding Of America, Loukia K. Sarroub

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

In this article I discuss how individuals and communities in the United States re-present themselves in the context of the September 11 tragedy and its complex aftermath. My aim is to explore the "American" discourse on inclusion and discrimination by examining the neologisms and social practices that were amplified by the attack in local and national debates.

This document file contains both a page-image version and a text version of the essay.

Meeting Ncate Standards Through Service-Learning: Dispositions, National Service-Learning In Teacher Education Partnership

Service Learning, General

The University of Idaho, Division of Teacher Education, is refocusing its teacher certification program to reflect national standards and place P-12 students at the center of preservice learning. The integration of service-learning into course work throughout the program ensures that a community of learners will be developed both in academic settings and in society.