Education Commons^™

Integration Of Faith And Learning In Christian School Art Education, Ron D. Van Der Pol

Master of Education Program Theses

A Christian philosophy of art education begins with an understanding that God is sovereign and that his word is infallible truth. It is not always is the case that Christian school art educators have dedicated themselves to the integration of faith and learning in the art curriculum. In the art classroom the educator should promote scriptural truths, the work and importance of the Holy Spirit in the art process, and the exciting calling that God has for the Christian artist. By teaching these fundamentals to students, the classroom atmosphere will be more conducive to productive learning and response by students, …

Implications Of Differentiated Instruction On Student Attitudes, Valorie L. Zonnefeld

Master of Education Program Theses

This research examines the implications of a differentiated curriculum on four general factors of student attitudes: motivation, enjoyment of mathematics, value of mathematics, and self-confidence. It is quasi-experimental by design. The sample included the 73 students enrolled in the Algebra I course at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. During the third quarter of the school year, students with eligible grades were allowed to contract out of portions of the regular assignment. Attitudes were measured before and after the quarter using the Attitudes Towards Mathematics Inventory (Tapia, 1996). A t-test was used to compare student attitudes. There were significant …

Is Classical Christian Education Compatible With A Reformed Christian Perspective On Education?, Peter L. Ton

Master of Education Program Theses

Is the growing classical Christian education movement, based on Dorothy Sayers’ trivium methodology, compatible to a Reformed Christian perspective on education? The classical Christian position claims that children progress through three stages of development and that the three components of the trivium complement these natural learning stages. The first stage involves memorizing facts through chants, stories and songs. In the second stage students learn how to argue and analyze by means of formal training in logic. The third stage focuses on learning to express knowledge persuasively and elegantly. When compared to the Reformed understanding of covenant children as well as …

Study Of The Effects Of A Buddy Reading Program On The Reading Achievement And Attitudes Of Kindergarten And Grade Seven Students At Abbotsford Christian School, Heritage Campus, Susan M. Dykshoorn

Master of Education Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Buddy Reading Program on reading levels and attitudes towards reading. A Buddy Reading Program is a type of peertutoring strategy that can be used across various grade levels spanning from kindergarten through grade 12. As defined in this project, a Buddy Reading Program pairs older students with younger students in a language arts setting. The older students prepare a short reading lesson and tutor the younger students in hopes of improving reading success.

This study took place using a control group of one kindergarten class of 18 students …

Using Teacher Instructional Time More Efficiently Through The Use Of Madminute Software: A Tool For Teaching Elementary Children Basic Mathematics Facts, Jeremy Tinsley

Master of Education Program Theses

Time constraints often force elementary mathematics teachers to teach only from the textbook and sacrifice conceptual, hands-on approaches to mathematics instruction. This study explores the potential time-saving benefits of using MadMinute computer software to teach elementary students basic mathematics facts. Data was collected by administering pretests and posttests to participating students, and through time logs kept by participating teachers. Results showed that teachers who used MadMinute software saved a mean of 20.4 minutes of instructional time per day, compared to teachers who used traditional methods of mathematics facts instruction. Students receiving traditional methods of instruction had higher levels of growth, …

What Do People Believe To Be The Essential Elements In A Christ-Centered Curriculum?, Adam James Sterenberg

Master of Education Program Theses

In present times, Christian schools struggle to maintain a distinctive alternative to public education. Recently, many veterans of Christian education have been pointing the way to a more Christ-centered education- one that calls for explicitly Christian ways of teaching and learning. As a result, there has been great deal of rhetoric as to how people should/would define a truly Christ-Centered curriculum (CCC). Yet, many reputable Christian educators would argue that they already have a CCC while others would say that the curriculum is merely a public school curriculum with a Christian "coating". In order to bring some resolve to the …

Secondary School Choral Curriculum Based On The Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance Project, David P. Van Brugge

Master of Education Program Theses

This thesis is a two-part paper dealing with the concept of comprehensive musicianship for an elective high school choral course in a small Christian school. Part I surveys relevant literature, considers the background of comprehensive musicianship and research related to it, and defines the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship Project (WCMP). Part II applies the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance model by outlining a curriculum for a choral music course in a small Christian secondary school.

Conduct Disorder: Is It Treatable?, Renata Smith

Master of Education Program Theses

Behavior problems are a growing problem in classrooms around the United States. One of the most common types of behavior disorders is Conduct Disorder. Is this a treatable disorder? Many treatment options are available. Only three will be discussed in this paper: Service Learning, Behavior Modification and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Service Learning, Behavior Modification, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy have been shown to be effective in treating conduct disorders in residential settings but there are no follow-up studies to determine whether these treatments had long-term effects on the behavior once the students left the facility.

Attitudes Towards Educational Innovations In Christian High Schools In Northwest Iowa And Southeast South Dakota, Kimberly A. Hengeveld

Master of Education Program Theses

This study examines the attitudes of Christian high school educators in Northwest Iowa and Southwest South Dakota toward educational innovation and change in secondary education. Faculty and administration rated ten innovations or practices for their value to Christian school secondary systems, their perceptions about which factors and individuals are influential in the decision-making process about affecting change in the secondary school system, and their personal response to change in the classroom. The results indicate that these educators believe that change is important, but they are less supportive of change that might disrupt the way that schools are currently organized. Respondents …

Assessment In Early Childhood Education, Gwen R. Marra

Master of Education Program Theses

This study investigated assessment in early childhood education. The action research investigated the effect of familiarity of a test setting on screening scores of pre-kindergarten children. Thirty-two children participated in a pre-kindergarten screening at a local school that they did not attend as students. These same children participated in the same screening at the preschool that they regularly attend. After analyzing and comparing the test scores it was determined that there was a significant difference in the scores of students depending on their familiarity with the test setting.

Providing Meaningful Alternatives To Senior Examinations, Mary Dirksen

Master of Education Program Theses

Christian educators have a unique calling to equip their students to become active disciples of Jesus Christ. In 2001, the staff of Unity Christian High School was challenged to examine its teaching practices in this light. After a review of the current literature, two goals were adopted: (1) to provide greater opportunities for students to “unwrap their gifts” and (2) to broaden the use of authentic assessment. The staff began by amending the graduation requirements of the 2002 graduating class. Second semester exams were no longer to be administered to the seniors, and students were required to make contributions to …

Assessing A Media Discernment Course For Freshmen At Illiana Christian High School: A Case Study, William Boerman-Cornell

Master of Education Program Theses

This case study examines the effectiveness of a team-taught mass-media freshman level course on discernment of media messages, and decision-making. By means of pre- and post- course surveys of students and faculty, this study examines students' decisions about consuming mass media and how after taking the course, their media selection process became more complex, deliberate, and organized. It also examines faculty response to the course in terms of how it appears to affect the students and how it affects faculty teaching and learning.

Analysis Of Four Current Educational Philosophies And Their Impact On Science Education: Towards A Reformed Christian Philosophy Of Science Education, Kimberly J. Karhoff

Master of Education Program Theses

This thesis analyzes four current educational philosophies: perennialisrn, progressivism, existentialism, and constructivism. Particular attention is paid to their impact on science education. Each philosophy is examined for its philosophical roots, educational theory, science education goals, science education methodology, and science curriculum. It is then critiqued in light of a Reformed Christian perspective. In the discussion, I propose a Reformed philosophy of science education.

Attitude Changes Resulting From A Course In Middle East History, Aaron Imig

Master of Education Program Theses

This study explored the change in high school students' cultural acceptance of Islamic peoples after a semester long course in Middle East History. Ten senior high school students in a small Christian high school were tested in knowledge, visual perception, and cultural attitudes before and after the semester course. Final data collection suggests that the population size for this study needed to be larger and more diverse. The results were not significant enough to indicate attitudes were changed over the course of the semester. There was not a positive correlation found between knowledge gained by the students and the resulting …

Keys To Effective Resolution Of Staff Conflict In Christian Schools, Sandra De Jong

Master of Education Program Theses

The purpose of this project is to outline some keys to effective resolution of staff conflict in Christian schools. This project begins by introducing the problems that can occur in Christian community when conflict does not get resolved effectively. This is followed up by a closer look at God's will and purpose for Christian community in resolving conflicts that may threaten to tear them apart. This discussion is followed up with the identification of the characteristics of conflict and the trends that people generally follow when seeking to resolve their conflicts. Since the Bible is known to be a study …

Fulfilling The Mission Statement Through Senior Projects, Steve Kortenhoeven

Master of Education Program Theses

This descriptive study researched the benefits of Senior Projects as a culminating activity during the senior year of high school. The anecdotal evidence shows that Senior Projects help keep students motivated and interested during the final semester of their high school years. More importantly, this paper focused on the impact that a Senior Project program has at fulfilling a school's mission statement. Eighty-six students at Calvin Christian School in Escondido, California were surveyed regarding the school's mission statement; a high percentage felt that the mission statement was being fulfilled via extra-curricular activities (i.e., chapel, spiritual emphasis week) while a considerably …

Comparison Of Academic Progress And Social Development For Retained And Socially Promoted Spanish Speaking Children In An International English-Medium School, Mavis A. Runia

Master of Education Program Theses

This two-year study was designed to investigate the effects of grade retention on a child's academic progress, English proficiency, and social development. All students (n=17) were native Spanish-speaking children, living in a Spanish speaking country, learning in an English-medium school. Each retained child was matched with a child in a control group and a child in a socially promoted group, based on age, sex, Sanford Achievement Test scores, and final reading, language, and math scores. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHSCS) and the Comprehensive Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test (CREVT) were administered in the fall and spring for two consecutive …

Read Aloud Effectiveness On Comprehension And Attitude In Junior High Social Studies Classroom, Randy L. Hilbelink

Master of Education Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if reading aloud to eighth-grade students would have a more beneficial effect on students in the areas of comprehension and attitudes toward reading in comparison to students reading to themselves. Forty-one eighth-grade students in two separate classrooms were involved ina literature-based social studies unit. During a three-week time period one class had the historical novel Johnny Tremain read aloud to them while the other group read the same novel to themselves. Three comprehension quizzes were given as well as a pre-test and post-test using Estes Scale to Measure Attitudes Toward Reading.

The …

Effects Of Cooperative Learning Versus Direct Instruction And Independent Practice In A First Grade Mathematics Classroom, Andrea Wieringa

Master of Education Program Theses

This study investigated the effectiveness of cooperative learning versus direct instruction and individual practice in a first grade classroom when learning concepts about time. One classroom of 21 was divided into groups of three and worked and learned in cooperative groups. The other class of 21 was taught using direct instruction, and students completed assignments independently. An analysis of the post-test suggested that the cooperative group scored higher than the direct instruction group, although only two of the five sections of the test were significantly higher.

Effects Of Computer Assisted Instruction To Teach Word Recognition Skills To Grade Two Students, Wilma Kooistra

Master of Education Program Theses

The effects of using computer assisted instruction versus a more traditional approach to practice, i.e. flash cards and worksheets, to attain word recognition skills were investigated. A total of 20 students were rated on a pre-test and then assigned to one of two practice groups. The experimental group (10 students) practiced reading skills using Reader Rabbit II, a highly motivational drill and practice software program. The control group (10 students) practiced using worksheets and flash cards. When skills were compared at the end of the testing time, there was shown to be no statistically significant difference between the two modes …

Effects Of A Peer-Influenced Goal Setting Strategy On Internal Locus Of Control, Tim Antonides

Master of Education Program Theses

Enabling children to take ownership of their learning is an ever-present challenge to educators. This study examined the effects of a six-month goal-setting strategy used with grade five students in a suburban, Christian middle school. Students were required to set three monthly goals and to describe how successfully these goals had been attained. In addition, the participants were asked to orally share their progress with their peers each month. The effects of this strategy on internal locus of control were monitored using the Nowicki-Strickland Control Scale for Children. Results of the study indicated no statistical correlation between the strategy and …

Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Learning In Middle School Science, Alan Bandstra

Master of Education Program Theses

Middle school science students appear to lack motivation when learning under teaching methods which reduce the subject of science to a body of facts. This study attempted to examine the effectiveness of problem-based learning as an alternative teaching method in sixth grade science. The participants were generally homogeneous representing mostly Caucasian children, and the classrooms were typical classrooms containing the normal range of abilities. Three variables were tested in a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design: attitude toward science, problem-solving ability, and knowledge. Results showed no significant effect for any of the variable as a result of the intervention. However, certain …

Teacher-Talk And Student-Talk: Peer Response Strategies In Two Eighth-Grade Classes, Charles A. Muether

Master of Education Program Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of teacher-controlled response groups on student writing performance with the relative effectiveness of student-controlled response groups on student writing performance. In the study, two eighth grade language arts classes, one with twenty-four students and the other with twenty-three, participated in a nine-week long writing exercise. Although the study indicated a similar degree of improvement between teacher-talk and student-talk response groups, both types of response groups appear to have their rightful place in the writing process. Students from both sections did show improvement in their writing proficiency. Moreover, both sections …

Effects Of Keyboarding Skills On The Quality Of Writing Using A Word Processor For Composing, Jon S. Kroeze

Master of Education Program Theses

This study investigated the influence of keyboarding proficiency on writing quality. The participants were seventeen fifth graders in a small private school. One sample group participated in formal keyboarding instruction for seven weeks. The other sample group used the computers for the same seven week period but with other programs not related to improving keyboarding proficiency. Keyboarding tests were taken as a pre-test and post-test. Writing samples were taken as a pre-test and post-test and scored holistically. An analysis of the keyboarding pre-test and post-tests suggested that a significant improvement in keyboarding skills had developed for the group given formal …