Education Commons^™

Looping : An Alternative To Grade Level Promotions, Michelle Block

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a study of looping. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review and an analysis of the literature concerning looping. Three questions were asked in the study: 1. What is looping and how does looping differ from multi-age grouping? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages in looping? 3. What are the guidelines for an effective looping arrangement? The definition of looping was discussed as well as the advantages and disadvantages of looping. Guidelines for an effective looping arrangement were presented. Summary, conclusions, and recommendations were shared with readers.

What Does Educational Technology Mean In The Promotion Of Student Achievement : A Literature Review, Fongching Lee

Graduate Research Papers

Research indicates that educational technology has a valued status, especially in the promotion of student learning. The theory behind the study of educational technology includes the four paradigms defined by Saettler (1990): the media view, the communications and systems view, the behavioral sciences view, and the cognitive science concept. This theory serves as the basis for the implementation of educational technology by the teachers.

Implementing educational technology, in special education and regular education (k-12), has indicated positive influences on student achievement. Greater student achievement would translate to better worker-citizens for the United States, thereby allowing the country to be competitive …

Book Discussions : Guiding Students In Creating Their Own Questioning, Christine Matthew

Graduate Research Papers

Book discussions increase the understanding and personal meaning of books through the students' active participation during the reading process. Previous to book discussions the students would give a statement from the book or paraphrase the book. With the new format students are able to talk about the character's feelings, predict the happenings in the story, discuss the circumstances in the story and how the story could have been written differently.

The success of the book discussions makes it an easy decision to continue the program. This process is very enjoyable and can be adapted for any classroom and teacher. The …

The Concept Of Self-Directed Learning In Adult Education, Ruth Mwangangi

Graduate Research Papers

The concept of self-directed learning in adult education is still not fully understood. As most scholars do not agree with the theory of andragogy, there is more confusion. However the concept of self-directed learning in adult education in the United States "contains an amazingly rich body of ideas, folk knowledge, bona fide theory and impeccable history" (Courtney, 1992, p. 158). The real question is to understand how self-directed learning motivates the adult learner to perform the various roles as demanded in the society.

Acceleration Policies And Practices In Central Iowa, Patricia Ann Smith

Graduate Research Papers

This study explored acceleration practices throughout the country with a focus on the public and private schools of Area Education Agency (AEA) 11 in Central Iowa. Questions explored included the following: Do the school districts and private schools in AEA 11 allow for the academic acceleration of students in any form? Do they have written or implied unwritten policies for acceleration? What practices, if any, are currently employed by AEA 11 schools? What percentage of students in these schools engage in each type of acceleration? What criteria are used to select students for acceleration? How many acceleration experiences have had …

The Effects Of An Individualized Reading Program On Recreational Reading, Kim Aneweer

Graduate Research Papers

We are creating a nation of alliterates. The vast majority of our population can read and write, but choose not to. The researcher intended to investigate this problem by creating an individualized reading program for a group of fifth grade students. The reading program was designed according to the students· reading levels and interests. The researcher monitored the amount of time the students spent reading for pleasure. The study consisted of three phases. During the first phase, the students chose their reading materials. A computer program assisted the students in choosing their books in phase two of the study. The …

Success At Last : One Teacher's Growth In Understanding Of Writer's Workshop, Cindy L. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

Writer's workshop is an approach to teaching writing that corresponds to the whole language philosophy. Much of the literature published on the topic of whole language, and specifically writer's workshop, describes the ideal classroom environment. However, "whole language in the intermediate classroom is often given less attention in professional books and journals than the primary classroom receives" (Gannon-Smith, 1991). As a reading and language arts teacher of sixth grade students, I have been interested in teaching writing through the use of writer's workshop. There are some general whole language themes which can be used to build a motivating writing environment …

Calculators In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms, Debra Lynn Kuehne

Graduate Research Papers

Calculators can be a catalyst for all mathematical learning. Arithmetic skills are necessary life tools. Doing mental math requires basic facts mastery with estimation skills. Using a calculator successfully and evaluating the answer requires an understanding of the necessary arithmetic processes and the ability to identify a reasonable solution.

Like all technology available in the K-12 school setting, calculators should be viewed as tools to facilitate learning and logical reasoning. Students need to be prepared for the jobs of the future, many of which occupations have not yet even been created. The motivation for learning any skill in life is …

Technology And The Early Childhood Classroom, Donna Weinbrenner

Graduate Research Papers

As we close in on the 21st century, educators all over the nation are racing to meet the challenge to develop "technological literacy" in their students, students who are able to use computers and other technology to improve their learning and performance.

The Integration Of The Superhighway Into The Classroom : The Advantages And Disadvantages And Precautions That Need To Be Taken When Allowing The Internet Into The Classroom, Shawn Louise Maly

Graduate Research Papers

Today few educators go without using some kinds of computer technology. Every year the number of schools connected to the Internet grows, as does the number of teachers with their own e-mail accounts. Now we seem to be heading into the areas of virtual instruction and virtual classrooms. The growth of computers is going to continue; it is inevitable. As we continue moving forward in education and technology, what are the advantages, disadvantages and precautions that need to be taken to integrate the Superhighway into the everyday classroom?

The Effects Of Acceleration On The Attitudes Toward And Achievement In Mathematics, Nancy Preece Mcgill

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the affects of participation in accelerated mathematics classes on the attitudes toward and the achievement in mathematics of thirty-five seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students and their parents. The respondents, from a small rural school district, completed a survey consisting of an open-form question and ten statements designed to elicit perceptions regarding their attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics.

Results indicated that parental attitudes were significantly more positive than students as a result of participation. Results also showed that participation produced no harmful effects and, in fact, many respondents expressed a desire to continue taking accelerated classes. …

Quality Schools For The Next Century: A Reflective Essay, Pam J. Zeigler

Graduate Research Papers

My formal education began in 1967 in a small school in north central Iowa. The world was a lot different then. There were 13 students in my kindergarten class. We all lived with our biological mother and father. Our fathers were the "breadwinners;" our mothers were the "bread makers." We read books about Dick, Jane, and Sally and completed thousands of worksheets. We memorized facts and sat quietly while the teacher did all the talking. We thought that once we graduated from high school we were finished with school forever. Words, such as drugs, computers, and AIDS, were not a …

Promoting Inference-Making In A First Grade Classroom, Susan E. Flater

Graduate Research Papers

School-age children throughout their life experiences make inferences. Teachers can offer instruction and modeling in inference-making and opportunities for children to make inferences. As a result, children can become accustomed to bringing their prior knowledge to reading experiences, thus extending their thinking-language abilities.

Inclusion And Inclusive Classrooms At The Preschool Level, Michele Keefer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature is to examine previous research concerning inclusive classrooms at the preschool level and to determine the most appropriate guidelines for inclusion. Benefits and problems of inclusion were discussed. Guidelines for developing and implementing inclusive programs were suggested. Also, a summary, conclusions, and recommendations are included in the last chapter.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, David D. Fox

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership styles come in many different forms and are often difficult to separate and identify as they mix and entwine in their functions. In this paper I will discuss the characteristics of seven leadership styles or skills: autocratic, instructional, transactional, transformational, situational, expert thinking, and value-added leadership. For each style I will attempt to identify some administrative tasks that lend themselves to a particular style, or that I have seen approached using a specific style. I will conclude with how I foresee my leadership skills developing and how I plan to continue to improve.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joseph M. Bearns

Graduate Research Papers

A principal has to be a facilitator more than a director. He or she has to work as part of a team and to face challenges with a "we" viewpoint rather than a "I say, you do." Not only does the principal of today have to collaborate with teachers, students and parents; they also need to be aware of the.larger community outside of the school. A child in the school may have needs that go beyond the classroom and the effective administrator will be able to call upon support services to meet the needs of that child as well as …

Aids Education On College Campuses, Lauretta A. Dienberg

Graduate Research Papers

Many researchers have examined the issue of college students and AIDS. Most have come to the same conclusion, that students know how to protect themselves but don't see AIDS as personal threat to their lives. As colleges become more diverse and more students are able to attend college, these issues probably will become more complex. Coupled with diversity issues, AIDS has now become known as a chronic rather than deadly disease, as a result of progress made toward treating AIDS and through early detection.

Developing A Community Service Program For High School Students, Ellen M. Hoefer

Graduate Research Papers

Youth leadership development within community service allows teenagers to serve others, to lead, and to contribute to society in ways that support positive roles, personal values, and communal beliefs in justice and equality. Ideally, community service learning builds supportive structures for youth leaders, encourages positive dialog around new relationships, and empowers others as competent and purposeful individuals.

Learning is not merely answering a teacher's questions to get a grade, but asking oneself questions to understand and to know what to do. When learning is from real life, and the consequences are real, one may have to question the surface appearance, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Fredrick A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This reflective paper is my vision of the role of a forward looking Secondary Administrator who effectively uses educational research to impact school improvement in a positive fashion. It is, in effect, a snapshot that includes two sections. Some personal history, characteristics, and core values are in the first section. The final section is a composite reflection that synthesizes knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through coursework and from experience into my professional vision for administrative practice. I think brain compatible computer-assisted learning can be a component of effective education and the research cited reflects that.

Educational Leadership -- A Philosophy For An Effective Secondary Principal : A Reflective Essay, Steven L. Gray

Graduate Research Papers

Leadership is a very recognizable characteristic, trait, or process in our society today. We know it when we see it, yet it remains very difficult to define. Leadership can be an organizational function, an individual function, or a process that may take on different characteristics depending on the setting.

There are literally hundreds of philosophies/definitions of leadership, and nearly as many on educational leadership. The goal of this paper is not to give an all encompassing definition or model for effective educational leadership, but rather to simplify the characteristics of an effective secondary principal into four categories: (1) manager, (2) …

The Counselor's Role In The Peer Sexual Harassment Issue : Educating And Empowering Students Concerning Roles And Rights, Ann Marie Lentz

Graduate Research Papers

Peer sexual harassment creates and maintains a hostile classroom environment. Schools must offer an inclusive scope of alternative decisions for all students. Students are entitled to support from teachers and school counselors whenever they believe they have experienced such harassment. Student victims need to be advised by encouraging adults in the school system in order to reestablish themselves as active learners.

When adults facilitate student learning regarding the issue of sexual harassment, a safe environment replaces the hostile environment created by sexual bullying. When counselors, teachers, parents, and administrators send a message of support, underlining that sexual harassment is illegal …

The Basics Of Teaching Media Literacy, Jill Wurzer

Graduate Research Papers

According to the Media Literacy Online Project (1998), American children and adolescents spend 22-28 hours a week viewing television. By the time today's children reach age 70, they will have spent 7-10 years watching television. Now, more than ever, schools are being called on to deal with the effects of the growing influence of the media in students' lives. Media literacy and media education are even getting attention in the English Language Arts Standards by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). So, what is media literacy? What materials are available to teach it, and how can teachers justify …

Instructional Technology In The School System, Sherri Sue Zanotti

Graduate Research Papers

Analyses of the deployment of technology in schools have tended to note its failure to affect the daily values and practices of teachers and students. This absence is generally regarded as an implementation failure, or as resulting from some temperamental shortcoming on the part of the teachers or technologists. Such a construction is predicated on the assumption that the technology is value free and its implementation a struggling playing field. This paper proposes that no instructional technology is ever neutral. Its value and practices must support the organization into which it is placed. The failures of technology to look and …

Educational Technology And Language Teaching: Research On The Application Of Videos And Computers, Lihua Zheng

Graduate Research Papers

One of the major problems with the use of educational technology in China is the lack of qualified teachers who know their academic field and the application of instructional technology as well. This problem inhibits the improvement of the Chinese instructional environment and the development of the Chinese educational cause. The purpose of this research paper is to present some of the most current research in the effective use of educational technology in foreign language teaching with the focus on two technologies: video and computer. Concerning video technology, different learning styles and the implications for language learning are analyzed; the …

Technology In The Elementary Art Program, Michele Weisinger

Graduate Research Papers

The advancement of technology use in todays' schools has provided teachers with new teaching resources. This applies to all teachers in every curricular area at every grade level. One area of instruction in which technology has had an overwhelming effect is the visual arts. Technology has created a new art form with which artists young and old may express themselves visually. Technology has also provided art educators with a unique teaching tool to promote visual learning.

Classroom Discussion: A Journey To Decentralizing The Classroom, Mike Suther

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout history of the United States, teachers have instigated classroom discussion about text in hopes that talk enhanced understanding. More recently, Vygotsky (1978) produced evidence of the importance of social talk in learning. It is through this social interaction or discussion that students construct and negotiate meaning of text. What constitutes social interaction or discussion is what leads some teachers to disagree. The literature on discussion has classified it into two types: recitation and discussion.

Ability Grouping In The Elementary School, Ellen M. Azinger

Graduate Research Papers

Ability grouping has been used in schools for many years in an attempt to meet children's instructional needs. Is this type of grouping nurturing for children? The purpose of this paper is to examine ability grouping and then to offer the alternative of flexible grouping to extend the instructional program at the elementary level. Flexible grouping allows students to more readily pursue meaningful learning, thus extending their abilities.

Androgogy And K-12 Technology Staff Development : Towards Effective Practice, Craig Barnum

Graduate Research Papers

Many K-12 technology staff development programs are based upon pedagogical models. Adult learners require a different set of design and facilitation skills referred to as andragogy. The primary goal of adult education in any arena is to produce independent life long learners. This is particularly valuable in the ever changing realm of technology. To engage this task Knowles and Brookfield each identify six guiding principles that construct a framework for designers and facilitators of adult education programs to follow. The process of meaningfully integrating technology into the schools requires substantial change to current instructional methods. K-12 technology staff development designers …

Multiage Education, Wendy Edwards

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the practice of multiage education. The introduction consists of the background of multiage grouping, and centers on the one-room school house from centuries ago. Also, the theoretical framework is investigated to further explain the background of muliage grouping. A broad explanation of multiage is given, along with characteristics of a multiage program.

Benefits and disadvantages of multiage grouping are discussed in later chapters. Suggestions for successful implementation of a multiage program are also shared. The conclusion of the paper consists of a summary of the research and recommendations for further research.

Adolescent Depression : A School Perspective, Kayann Lilja

Graduate Research Papers

The path from adolescence to adulthood is ever-changing and often extremely challenging. There is growing consensus that today it is an even more difficult journey than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current knowledge regarding adolescent depression and its relationship to normal adolescent development. In addition, the origin, nature and characteristics of adolescent depression will be discussed. The paper will conclude with suggested interventions for educators to address the issue of adolescent depression in a preventative as well as treatment manner.