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Full-Text Articles in Education
Paradise Under The Field House Lights: When Rituals And Spectacles Suppress Female Students’ Agency, Carolyn Fortuna
Paradise Under The Field House Lights: When Rituals And Spectacles Suppress Female Students’ Agency, Carolyn Fortuna
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
I am a teacher-researcher. Like many teachers, I design lesson plans, implement constructivist learning events in the classroom, and grade projects and papers. But I am also a qualitative researcher. I decided to remain in the classroom after obtaining my Ph. D. in education so that I could impact students in ways that I feel are beyond the reach of an administrator. My most important data collection device has always been my low-tech teacher journal. A teacher journal allows me to create an account of classroom life where dialogic discourse, offhand remarks, lesson outlines, administrative sessions, and student social conversations …
Teaching The Harry Potter Generation, Kerr Houston
Teaching The Harry Potter Generation, Kerr Houston
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
What I would like to offer here, then, is a brief rumination on some of the ways in which the seven Harry Potter novels and the ensuing eight films may have influenced a number of today’s college students. Clearly, this is hardly a rigorously designed or controlled research project, and it is not a report on a project executed in a classroom. Rather, it is an informal set of reflections on a group of texts that have enjoyed an exceptional popularity among an entire generation of students. Certainly, there should always be a place for focused research into pedagogy and …
Editorial Introduction, Catherine F. Compton-Lilly
Editorial Introduction, Catherine F. Compton-Lilly
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
The Fall 2011 Edition of Networks highlights a rich range of articles and thoughtful teachers’ voices. Of particular interest in this current edition are the reflections of two teachers working in very different contexts. Carolyn Fortuna is an independent scholar reflecting on her experiences working in a public high school. She explores gender construction for students in what might be considered a typical American high school. In particular she explores how the athletic field house, as well as other school spaces, becomes sites for displaying particular ways of being male or female and identifies the performances that are allowed, encouraged, …
Immigrant Students And Literacy: Reading, Writing, And Remembering., Patricia Eugenia Venegas
Immigrant Students And Literacy: Reading, Writing, And Remembering., Patricia Eugenia Venegas
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
Campano’s book offers a one-of-a-kind invitation for teachers to partake in action research as a fertile foundation for inquiry and for the development of new selves and new literacies. Through critical inquiry and interplay between reality and diversity in a “diaspora community” (p. 73). Campano’s work inspires the construction of flexible and collaborative new knowledge—new knowledge that is embedded in the experiences of teachers and students in and out of school, family histories, and students’ cultural identities. Campano’s fifth-grade immigrant students, all from in an urban California school, engage in a collaborative endeavor that provides a framework for new kinds …
Mind The Map: How Thinking Maps Affect Student Achievement, Dan Jacob Long, David Carlson
Mind The Map: How Thinking Maps Affect Student Achievement, Dan Jacob Long, David Carlson
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
This action research project, conducted in an 8th grade classroom by Daniel Long, investigated how Thinking Maps could be utilized by the students to broaden critical thinking skills and enhance their understanding of the content being presented. The research data was gathered through anonymous student surveys, instructor observation notes and a post-intervention assessment. Students were taught the function and proper construction of all eight Thinking Maps and were encouraged to utilize them on multiple occasions every day. The findings by Long indicated that when students constructed Thinking Maps, they were able to achieve greater understanding than those students who used …
The Behavior Management Dilemma With Student Teachers: A Practical Perspective From The Field, Robert Wolfersberger
The Behavior Management Dilemma With Student Teachers: A Practical Perspective From The Field, Robert Wolfersberger
The Advocate
A significant contributor to student misbehavior is unskilled teacher behaviors. This article identifies some of these counterproductive teaching behaviors that unintentionally create a learning environment vulnerable to student misbehavior. Student teachers are in the process of developing their skills and if they are not equipped with a functional behavior management plan and the accompanying application skills, their students may become victims of inappropriate consequences. Skill in managing student behavior is an essential teacher tool. The author recommends a practical approach to behavior management for student teachers that gives proper focus and emphasis to this important and sensitive subject.
Asian-American Students And Academic Achievement Motivation, Anh Tran
Asian-American Students And Academic Achievement Motivation, Anh Tran
The Advocate
This article proposes a unified perspective on academic achievement motivation among Asian-American high achievers. It is contended that an integration of the achievement goal construct and the factors of ethnic identity is needed to provide an adequate answer to the question of how to motivate Asian-American students and hopefully other minority students in learning.
How Pre-Service Teachers' Beliefs And Assumptions About Diverse Students Change Through Their Reflections On A Study-Buddy Program, Deborah Sardo Brown, Fanni Liu Coward
How Pre-Service Teachers' Beliefs And Assumptions About Diverse Students Change Through Their Reflections On A Study-Buddy Program, Deborah Sardo Brown, Fanni Liu Coward
The Advocate
Fifth-three pre-service teachers participated in a study-buddy program and wrote reflective journal entries and a field experience paper in which they analyzed their study-buddy's learning dilemmas and proposed possible solutions. The pre-service teachers' writings were then analyzed for assumptions they made about their study-buddy. The results of the study documented the nature of pre-service teachers' assumptions about the diverse students they tutored and how these assumptions changed over time. In addition, this study illustrated how reflective assignments, in conjunction with participation in a study-buddy program, can serve to facilitate change in pre-service teachers' preconceived notions about diverse students.
My Quiz Is Better Or It Takes A Semester To Build A Quiz, Freddie Bowles
My Quiz Is Better Or It Takes A Semester To Build A Quiz, Freddie Bowles
The Advocate
Introduction: Learning by doing appeals to many teachers and students who enjoy the practical application of new knowledge. When learners are able to demonstrate the upper levels of Bloom's taxonomy - application, synthesis, evaluation - the students almost assuredly have demonstrated an "enduring understanding" of the content material.
Sensory Visualization: A Writing Strategy For Students, Carolyn R. Fehrenbach
Sensory Visualization: A Writing Strategy For Students, Carolyn R. Fehrenbach
The Advocate
This paper describes the use of a Sensory Visualization strategy to engage secondary pre-service teachers in a writing activity integrating current or historical events through the modality of the senses. Students write papers from the viewpoint of a person in an event after viewing a photograph or illustration of the event.
The Pathwise Classroom Orientation System: A Teacher Mentoring Model That Really Works, Kevin C. Costley, Timothy Leggett
The Pathwise Classroom Orientation System: A Teacher Mentoring Model That Really Works, Kevin C. Costley, Timothy Leggett
The Advocate
Mentoring beginning teachers in the United States is on the rise due to the alarming attrition rates of recent decades. There is a greater need to attract/retain teachers in suburban, urban and areas of poverty.
Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vl. 19, No.2, Fall 2011, Bruce Quantic
Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vl. 19, No.2, Fall 2011, Bruce Quantic
The Advocate
This content includes the table of contents and editorial information, a message from president of ATE-E, and a message from the editor for vol. 19, no.2 (Fall 2011) for The Advocate.
The Effects Of Movement In The Classroom, Carrie Jean Braniff
The Effects Of Movement In The Classroom, Carrie Jean Braniff
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
After teaching and substitute teaching in various classrooms, I was determined to have a classroom full of movement and energy. In order to create an active classroom, I implemented several strategies that would help students work together, have opportunities for transitions and movement, and provide a reduced-stress environment. In order to study the influence of activity in the classroom, I did an action research study. I collected data, observation notes, and journal entries from the students during classroom activities. These journal entries the students included surveys that were completed at the beginning and end of the study. Collecting articles from …
Editorial Introduction, Catherine F. Compton-Lilly
Editorial Introduction, Catherine F. Compton-Lilly
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
The Spring 2011 issue of Networks offers a rich variety of articles to our readers. Touching on technology, movement in classrooms and multicultural competence the three lead articles ask educator to both consider instructional practices of the future and to reflect on the cultural knowledge that we do and do not bring to classrooms. In all three articles, readers are asked to rethink some of their assumptions about what happens in classrooms and what we need to consider as we make decisions about classroom practices.
Through The Eyes Of The Other: A Preservice Teacher's Journey Towards Multicultural Competence, Elizabeth Bifuh-Ambe, Paula Burnes
Through The Eyes Of The Other: A Preservice Teacher's Journey Towards Multicultural Competence, Elizabeth Bifuh-Ambe, Paula Burnes
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
There is an urgent need to prepare teachers to effectively meet the needs of diverse students in classrooms across the USA today. In response to this need, many teacher preparation institutions offer multicultural education (also referred to in the literature as diversity) courses that are geared towards providing prospective teachers with the necessary skills and dispositions necessary to meet the needs of diverse learners. Evidently, multicultural education is viewed as the solution to an educational system that puts many students at risk of failure due to their race, gender, exceptionalities, ethnicity, class, religion, language and sexual orientation (Banks, 1999; King, …
Review Of Leading Lesson Study: A Practical Guide For Teachers And Facilitators, Jay Allen Babcock
Review Of Leading Lesson Study: A Practical Guide For Teachers And Facilitators, Jay Allen Babcock
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
Put very simply, “[l]esson study is a professional development practice in which teachers collaborate to develop a lesson plan, teach, and observe the lesson to collect data on student learning, and [in which they] use their observations to refine their lesson” (p. 2). The approach was first developed in Japan and this book is just what the title purports it to be―a guide for teachers and facilitators who would like to bring this style of continuous professional development to their own classrooms. This book is for current in-service teachers who want to be involved with Lesson Study. All teachers wishing …
Book Review - Inquiry As Stance: Practitioner Research For The Next Generation, Jen Scott Curwood
Book Review - Inquiry As Stance: Practitioner Research For The Next Generation, Jen Scott Curwood
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
In Inquiry as Stance: Practitioner Research for the Next Generation, the sequel to Inside/Outside, the authors note that educators now find themselves teaching and learning in “trying times” (p. 5). Marked by test-based accountability, annual school progress reports, and pay-for-performance, the era of No Child Left Behind often threatens to undermine the agency and pedagogy of educators. But at the same time, Cochran-Smith and Lytle point out that “more and more practitioners are now expected to be the gatherers and interpreters of school and classroom data as part of larger initiatives to improve school achievement” (p. 1). Rather …
Podcasting As A Means Of Improving Spanish Speaking Skills In The Foreign Language Classroom: An Action Research Study, Maggie Brennan Juana, Deniz Palak
Podcasting As A Means Of Improving Spanish Speaking Skills In The Foreign Language Classroom: An Action Research Study, Maggie Brennan Juana, Deniz Palak
Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research
Using action research as a method of inquiry, a high school Spanish teacher undertook this study to understand how podcasting could be used to help improve students’ Spanish speaking skills. Multiple sources of data collected and analyzed by the teacher-researcher in collaboration with her students and other collaborators reveal that the frequency and variety of carefully designed weekly podcasting assignments over time helped improve student speaking skills. This paper provides a framework of reference for other K-12 teachers as to how they could use new technologies successfully and understand the effects in their classrooms.
Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 2011, Bruce Quantic
Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 2011, Bruce Quantic
The Advocate
This content includes the table of contents, editorial information, a message from the president of ATE-K, and a message from the editor for vol. 19, no. 1 (Spring 2011) for The Advocate.
Reflective Analysis Of The Transition Of A Face-To-Face Principal Preparation Program Into An Online Format, Robert Moody, Regi Weiland
Reflective Analysis Of The Transition Of A Face-To-Face Principal Preparation Program Into An Online Format, Robert Moody, Regi Weiland
The Advocate
This paper addresses the redesign of a face-to-face principal preparation program into an online program. An action research project began in 2004, gathering data to guide the transition. A key element was the commitment of program faculty to reflect throughout the process by considering their personal technological strengths, weaknesses, and needs, altering as needed. Data collection included investigating competing programs, feedback from principal interviews, focus groups, instructor evaluations, enrollment and retention data, and current curriculum. The results of the study, including growth in student enrollment, data from program exit exams, and student perceptions of the program are provided.
An Alternative Teacher Preparation Journey, Debbie Mercer, Jim Barrett
An Alternative Teacher Preparation Journey, Debbie Mercer, Jim Barrett
The Advocate
The following report discusses one university's alternative pathway journey. Four candidates were accepted into the program the first year in the fall of 2003. Since then numbers have increased to over 175 active program participants. Such substantial growth evidences the need for highly qualified teachers, especially in particular content areas and geographic regions as highlighted in the following report. State guidelines and regulation requirements help ensure quality, rigorous programs.
Why Homework Is Assigned, Jan Wilson, John Rhodes
Why Homework Is Assigned, Jan Wilson, John Rhodes
The Advocate
This literature review will provide a synthesis of literature that addresses why homework is assigned, different types and amounts of homework typically assigned, and parental involvement in homework assignments.
Twin Texts And Technology: Enhancing Algebra Instruction For Elementary Teachers, Beth R. Walizer, Carol A. Borchers
Twin Texts And Technology: Enhancing Algebra Instruction For Elementary Teachers, Beth R. Walizer, Carol A. Borchers
The Advocate
Introduction: Algebra is often thought of as a course taken in high school, not a part of mathematics instruction in the elementary grades. In reality, algebra is the study of mathematics concerning structure, relations, and quantity and justifying those relationships (Blanton, 2008).
Gauging Technology Use In Pre-K -12 Classrooms, Russell Meigs
Gauging Technology Use In Pre-K -12 Classrooms, Russell Meigs
The Advocate
While research in the field of education suggests teachers are using technology more frequently, a tool for gauging this use was needed to provide educators with feedback regarding best practices. This study focused on the development and pilot of an Instrument for measuring levels of integration within constructivist learning environments as noted by the indicators in the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) model. Analyses conducted in the study showed the questionnaire to be a highly valid and reliable instrument in terms of measuring the model. Recommendations were made for its use in Pre-K - 12 settings as well as in teacher …
On The Endangered Species List: Are Secondary Reading Specialists Becoming Extinct?, Carolyn Carlson
On The Endangered Species List: Are Secondary Reading Specialists Becoming Extinct?, Carolyn Carlson
The Advocate
Research indicates a need for support for struggling readers at the secondary level, including access to reading specialists that can provide them with expert guidance and instruction to improve their reading skills. Minimal research has been conducted on reading specialists at the secondary level, so little is known about these teachers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the number of secondary reading specialists employed in public schools. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics were analyzed in this study and indicate that there is a strikingly small number of reading specialists employed at the secondary level. …
Translating Standards Into Practice With Ela Students, Kevin Murry, Socorro Herrera, Shabina Kavimandan, Della Perez
Translating Standards Into Practice With Ela Students, Kevin Murry, Socorro Herrera, Shabina Kavimandan, Della Perez
The Advocate
Standards-based professional practices are increasingly a distinct focus of both teacher preparation and staff development. Yet, such standards are not always fully translated into rubrics for monitoring and assessment. This is no less the case as teachers build their capacities for English language acquiring (ELA) students. Recent trends indicate the widespread use ofthe CREDE, Standards for Effective Pedagogy and Learning (Doherty, Hillberg, Epaloose, andTharp, 2002) for this purpose. This article describes the history of, and rationales behind the translation of these standards into a more purposive Biography Driven Practices rubric for grade-level teachers of ELA students.
An Alternate Route To Teaching, Kirsten Limpert
An Alternate Route To Teaching, Kirsten Limpert
The Advocate
Introduction: Alternate route to teacher certification typically refers to programs that permit people with non-education bachelor degrees the option to earn a teaching license. This route allows people to enter the teaching field without returning to a college campus for two years of coursework and student teaching to obtain a license.