Education Commons^™

Fostering Metacognition In K-12 Classrooms: Recommendations For Practice, Markeya S. Peteranetz

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

This article makes the case for why it is important for educators to intentionally foster students’ metacognition. Metacognition is often defined as thinking about thinking, but it is more complete to describe it as including knowledge, awareness, and control of one’s own cognition and human cognition in general. Two primary components of metacognition, knowledge of cognition and regulation of cognition, are presented and described with regard to learning contexts. Metacognition grows as part of cognitive development and can also be further enhanced through instruction at all levels of schooling. Research that indicates metacognition can be increased through instruction and is …

Language, Literacy And Dewey: "Experience" In The Language Arts Context, Jessica E. Masterson

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Blending the Deweyan idea of “experience” with the work of contemporary literacy pedagogues and classroom examples, this paper explores the implications of Dewey’s principles upon today’s classroom contexts. If experience is a central component to education, how might Dewey’s ideas help to re-focus our scattered perceptions of what literacy learning “ought” to be in the 21st century? Furthermore, what possibilities are created therein for language arts teachers and students?

Korea And The Dominican Republic: A Transnational Case Study-Analysis, Aprille J. Phillips

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

The study of transnational movement and the lives of individuals who cross nation-state boundaries has grown in recent decades. Transnational study regarding the Dominican Republic has continued since migrations to the U.S. in the 1960s and has primarily focused on “transnationalism from below” (Smith & Guarnizo, 2002) narratives, while study of South Korean transnationalism has focused on movement motivated by access to English in order to assure access to the competitive job market and opportunities for social mobility. This pair of case studies examines the lives of two relatively privileged Korean students who lived transnationally between Korea and the Dominican …

The Nebraska Educator, Volume 3: 2016 (Complete Issue), Abraham Flanigan, Kristine Sudbeck, Jeff Beavers, Sarah Mcbrien, Jessica Sierk

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

There are not many student-run academic journals, so The Nebraska Educator is excited to provide a forum for researchers, scholars, policymakers, practitioners, teachers, students, and informed observers in education and related fields in educational settings in the United States and abroad. Now in our third year, it is exciting to see the work that continues to be accomplished when those interested in educational research have a venue to share their contributions. To date, articles published in the previous two volumes of our journal have been downloaded more than 7,000 times by readers all across the globe.

The Nebraska Educator has …

An Exploration Of Voice In Second Language Writing, Dwi Riyanti

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Writing with strong voice is desirable in the U.S. mainstream culture, yet it is not necessarily easy to accomplish it. This is even harder for second language writers who are new to the culture. The different cultural expectation and the knowledge of the language presumably become some of the obstacles for them to write in the expectation of the U.S. mainstream. Even the notion of voice in writing itself is often confusing. This paper, focusing on exploring what voice is and how it is manifested in second language writing, reviews related literature on voice and second language writing research as …

An Analysis Of Pictures For Improving Reading Comprehension: A Case Study Of The New Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, Fei Yu

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

This study examines pictures from reading comprehension tasks of the New Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (the New HSK), also referred to as the New Chinese Proficiency Test, to see (a) what kind of pictures facilitate reading comprehension, (b) if and how pictures in the New HSK reading comprehension tasks facilitate test candidates in comprehending the reading text, and (c) what are the effects of pictures on reading comprehension. Based on previous studies (e.g., Levin, 1983); Omaggio, 1979), a picture facilitating reading comprehension is expected to meet four criteria simultaneously: (1) not including too much information about the content of the reading …

Learning Vocabulary With Apps: From Theory To Practice, Qizhen Deng, Guy Trainin

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

English vocabulary acquisition is a major challenge for English as a second or foreign language learners to become proficient in English. It is also a major challenge for English speakers who are at risk. With the increasing use of various mobile devices (e.g., iPad) for educational purposes, we have a new opportunity to support vocabulary learning. Mobile devices have considerable potential for enhancing vocabulary acquisition and English learning among English learners. This article focuses on how mobile devices can be used to facilitate vocabulary learning for English learners. While there is a paucity of research on mobile platforms that enhance …

Educational Language Planning And Policy In Nebraska: An Historical Overview, Kristine M. Sudbeck

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Historically, educational language policies have been utilized in order to eradicate, subjugate, and marginalize certain language varieties. Therefore, they have become "instruments of power that influence access to educational and economic resources" (Johnson, 2013, p. 54). More recently, educational language policies have also been used to "develop, maintain, and promote" minoritized languages (p. 54). The role of language policy and planning with educational settings, therefore, should be crtiically examined. This manuscript features two key components. First, the term language planning and policy will be (re) conceptualized as both a field of inquiry and a social practice involving three core activities …

Volume 2 Of The Nebraska Educator: Full Issue, Kristine Sudbeck Editor-In-Chief, Jeff Beavers, Abraham Flanigan, Sarah Mcbrien, Jessica Sierk

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

No abstract provided.

2014 Cehs Student Research Conference- Abstracts

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

No abstract provided.

2014 Cehs Student Research Conference Program

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

No abstract provided.

Educating Preschoolers About Color, Texture, And Taste: Child Care Providers’ Perceptions For Engaging Children’S Senses, Car Mun Kok, Dipti A. Dev

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

No abstract provided.

The Nebraska Educator, Volume 1: 2014 (Complete Issue), Kristine Sudbeck Editor-In-Chief, Jeff Espineli, Abraham Flanigan, Sarah B. Mcbrien, Jessica Sierk

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

The Nebraska Educator is an open access peer-reviewed academic education journal at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This journal is produced by UNL graduate students and publishes articles on a broad range of education topics that are timely and have relevance in the field of all levels of education. We seek original research that covers topics which include but are not limited to: (a) curriculum, teaching and professional development; (b) education policy, practice and analysis; (c) literacy, language and culture; (d) school, society and reform; and (e) teaching and learning with technologies.

Urban Immersion: Changing Pre-service Teachers' Perceptions of Urban Schools …

Urban Immersion: Changing Pre-Service Teachers' Perceptions Of Urban Schools, Connie Schaffer, Deborah Gleich-Bope, Cindy B. Copich

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

This research investigated the impact of an Urban Immersion (UI) program which partnered urban schools with a university’s teacher preparation program. The UI program provided experiences for pre-service teachers by completely immersing them, along with their university instructors, in urban schools where they worked and learned alongside K-12 teachers and students. Data collected from pre- and post-experience surveys provide statistically significant evidence that the UI program reshaped the perceptions of pre-service teachers regarding urban schools and also increased their confidence and interest in teaching in an urban setting. The success of traditional field experiences is indecisive (Mason, 1999; Sleeter, 2001); …

Finding The Connections Between Art And Teaching: A Case Study, Tareq Daher, Stephanie A Baer

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Finding the connection between art and teaching can be a difficult task for pre-service teachers who do not have a background in the arts. This qualitative case study explores the journey of a group of pre-service elementary teachers in an art methods course considering what it means to teach and to be an artist. The way in which these students defined the arts and teaching changed over the course of the semester and found connective threads, productively tying together the work of teaching and the creative process. Findings from pre-service teacher course work indicated three important themes: connections between art …

Transforming Field Experiences To Create Authentic Teaching Opportunities, Connie Schaffer, Kelly Welsh

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

For teacher candidates and the programs that prepare them, student teaching is a visible experience. For candidates, it culminates their investment of time and money and represents the completion of a significant, albeit early, career goal: becoming a certified, licensed teacher. For the university, the performance of their student teachers reflects program quality. When all goes as planned, both the candidates and program relish their successes. When all does not go as planned, where does the responsibility lie? Is it always an issue of individual candidate performance? At what point should the program assume some level of ownership? This article …

Exploring Public Middle School English Language Learner Teachers' Grammar Teaching: An Instrumental Case Study, Sevda Budak

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

We know little about how teachers teach grammar in the public school context. This qualitative study explores public middle school teachers’ grammar instruction in today’s diverse classrooms. An instrumental case study design was employed to provide a broad description of two ELL middle school teachers’ grammar teaching. Analysis of the multiple data sources revealed how ELL teachers orchestrated grammar teaching, which is explored in themes within each case. Based on the findings that emerged in cross-case analysis, similarities and differences between two cases are also discussed. The particularities of these two in-service teachers’ grammar teaching provide insight to all language-teaching …

Teaching With Poetic Insight: A Practitioner Reflection And Dream Of Possibility, Dorothy Marie Bossman

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

This reflection focuses on the case of a student who failed my English class when I was concurrently a PhD student and a middle school teacher. The pedagogical insight imbedded in the story of our time together adds to the literature on teacher content knowledge Shulman (1986) called the missing paradigm. The piece takes an unorthodox approach to a case study based on the twofold identity of the author as a researcher intrigued by the complexity of teacher thinking and an educator driven by concern for a particular student. This case reflects back on my experiences teaching this young man, …

Bullying Prevention In Schoolwide Positive Behavior Supports: A Review Of The Literature, Allen Garcia, Regina M. Oliver

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

The literature has suggested that problem behavior in the schools is an ongoing problem (Sugai et. al., 2000). This is a major concern for schools that want to provide a safe learning environment that promotes positive behaviors and academic learning. Such problem requires a systematic response, thus, School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) was created to target and prevent problem behaviors. Another form of problem behaviors in schools is bullying, and within the framework of SW-PBIS, there is limited research on targeting bullying. The current review examines and evaluates current research of SW-PBIS, and it’s application to bullying. Searches …

The Curriculum Of Health And Nutrition Education In Czech Republic (Article), Jana Koptíková

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

ABSTRACT

The average one-year health expenditure per capita in the European member states has doubled in the last 15 years. Prevention is less expensive than treatment, and changes in diet and lifestyle remain the most effective way to reduce the financial health care costs. However, European health systems are primarily treatment systems, not preventive systems. Improper diet and lack of physical activity are the most critical factors contributing to the overweight and obesity pandemic. Along with heavy alcohol consumption and smoking, these four factors contribute the most to the development of chronic non-communicable diseases. These diseases kill more than 36 …

Cehs Student Research Conference Program

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Welcome – Dr. Jon Pedersen

Keynote Address: Dr. Kenneth Howe, University of Colorado, Boulder.

Poster Session

Paper Sessions

Panel Sessions

Graduate Student Awards and Presentations

Student Panel: Advice for Beginning Graduate Students

Teaching Culturally And Linguistically Diverse Students: A Phenomenological Study Of Volunteer Teachers' Learning Curve, Jessica Sierk

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore and describe the experiences of former Cristo Rey Jesuit High School teacher volunteers. The experiences of these teacher volunteers include how they learned to teach on the job, as well as how they developed the intercultural competence necessary to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Central Question: What meaning do former Cristo Rey Jesuit High School teacher volunteers attribute to their learning to teach process?

Food Safety Education Using Conceptual Change Teaching Strategies Among Native American Nebraskans, Rachel C. Sinley, Kris Foley, Julie A. Albrecht

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Foodborne illnesses impact millions of individuals each year, with young children at high risk of contracting such diseases. Many of the pathogens responsible for these illnesses can be destroyed with proper food handling techniques. Research has shown that there is a need for improved food safety education among the general public and among specific sub-populations. This project seeks to increase food safety knowledge, motivation and behavioral skills among Native American food preparers with young children. A food safety education curriculum was developed using the Conceptual Change Teaching Method and was guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Theory of health behavior change. …

Faculty Perceptions Of Course Redesign, David Tompkins, Curtis Brundy, Rick Marlatt, Fei Yu

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Purpose: TO UNDERSTAND THE PERCEPTIONS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY SURROUNDING THE TOPIC OF COURSE REDESIGN

Evaluation Of Nutrition And Physical Activity Curricula Based On The Social Cognitive Theory, Elisha Hall, Julie A. Albrecht, Weiwen Chai, Alyssa Vierregger, Johnna Hall, Wanda Koszewski

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Background: Childhood obesity has increased over the past two decades, causing numerous complications. Currently, there is no required standardized curriculum for nutrition/physical activity in the United States. The objective of the current study is to examine the effects of a three-week, social cognitive theory-based nutrition/physical activity curricula on changes of behaviors among 5th grade students.

Methods: This study will be conducted in Lincoln Public Schools, involving three phases:
Phase 1: A Social Cognitive Theory based survey measuring behavior change, knowledge, self-efficacy, and environment will be developed and validated using eight nutrition experts. The survey will be pilot tested with a …

Cehs Student Research Conference Program--Abstracts

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Papers and Panels

Posters

Preschool Children’S Conservation Reasoning And Understanding About Nature, Julia C. Torquati, Julia Kroeker, Carmun Kok

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

This research uses Moral Domain Theory to examine preschool children’s reasoning about conservation. Three criteria differentiate between moral, personal, and conventional issues: universal application to all people in morally similar situations; not contingent upon societal rules; justification tied to rights and welfare.

Kahn (2001) reported that young children use predominately “harm to nature” justifications when asked about potentially harmful actions such as throwing trash in a waterway. Based on his investigation on environmental moral reasoning of participants ages 6 years to young adulthood across multiple cultures, Kahn proposed a developmental model that progresses from justifications (for prohibiting an action) focusing …

The Role Of Discourse In Teaching Scientific Inquiry: A Descriptive Study Of Two Student Teachers, Jia Lu

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

Research Questions

1.What does inquiry-based science instruction mean to preservice science teachers (PTSs) ?

2.How do PTSs view the role of discourse in inquiry-based science instruction ?

3.How do PTSs structure a classroom discourse that supports teaching scientific inquiry?

This study finds that the meaning and the practice of teaching scientific inquiry could have a different emphasis due to PTSs’ own experience with inquiry and the nature of the class they teach. The two PTSs confirmed that discourse plays an important role in inquiry-based science classrooms, however, the degree to which they would like to have students talk about scientific …

Ell High School Students Of Mexican Ancestry: A Phenomenological Study Of Language Ideologies, Kristine Sudbeck

The Nebraska Educator: A Student-Led Journal

The formation of languages and dialects is frequently considered a social process (Gal & Irvine, 1995). As such, humans form their own ideologies about particular language varieties, placing values on certain ones in a given context more than others (Greenfield, 2010). The development of a person’s language ideology can be influenced by the profit of distinction, which Pierre Bourdieu (1984) describes as the “noted margin of difference for usefulness and prestige of a particular language” (p. 55). It is through the process of misrecognition (Bourdieu, 1984) that a particular language is “recognized as legitimate and appropriate for discourse in official …