Education Commons^™

Investigating Prodigy Math Program To Improve Students' Success In Mathematics, Justin A. Bledsaw

Masters Theses

This study investigates whether Prodigy improves student achievement in mathematics; whether Prodigy improves, specifically, math achievement of special education students, students of different ethnicities, and students of different genders. Further, the study wanted to explore student perceptions of Prodigy. The study was conducted in two fifth grade classrooms with a total of 31 participants. Two mathematics units were utilized to compare; one on multiplying whole numbers and the other on dividing whole numbers. In addition, participants completed a survey and a focus group interview to find out participant perceptions of Prodigy. Results reveal that the whole group scored higher in …

Self-Reported Multicultural Teaching Knowledge Of K-12 Teachers, Ailish Raftery

Masters Theses

Research continues to show that students who belong to racial and/or ethnic minority groups face a variety of challenges at school, such as disproportionate rates of drop out, behavioral problems, exclusionary discipline practices, absenteeism, placement in special education, and more. These challenges are thought to contribute to the academic achievement gap between White and racial/ethnic minority students throughout the American public school system. Therefore, it is important to assess the multicultural teaching competence of American teachers and investigate barriers to improving culturally responsive teaching practices. Past research has investigated teachers’ multicultural teaching competence, but fewer compared general and special education …

The Transition Of Music Students Into College, Amanda J. Durbin

Masters Theses

The arts in college provide a unique experience to students that may be different than other studies. As schools around the nation cut their art programs due to budgets and lack of testing, students who enter a college program in the arts may have different levels of preparation for the demands and needs of their program. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the transition of music students into a college level music program. Research showed that these students are extremely passionate about music where they are fully engaged in the music program, however they may be separated …

Navigating Campus Climate: Microaggressions And Microaffirmations Impacting Trans* College Students On College Campuses, Chas Figueroa

Masters Theses

This study explored the microaggressions and microaffirmations that transgender college students experienced on their campus. The study looked at the impact those experiences had on transgender student perspectives regarding inclusivity on campus. With the population of out college age trans* students growing there is a need to look at the importance of inclusive practices in colligate environments. This narrative approach takes the stories of two trans* college students and interprets their experiences with themes of misgendering, university action, university community, and signs of support. The study indicated that trans* college student’s perspectives on inclusivity was impacted by the microaggressions and …

A Reflective Study Of Textbook-Centered Ela Curricular Resources, Autumn Frykholm Damann

Masters Theses

It is essential for English Language Arts educators to understand the multiple ways in which they can make the classroom an inclusive environment for all students. This study examines the racist ideas deeply ingrained within texts taught in an American literature-centered secondary English Language Arts course and explains one way for teachers and professional learning communities (PLCs) to survey and closely scrutinize one’s text choices for racist and overall biased messaging. Using qualitative content analysis of the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Collections textbook for Grade 11, I analyze the texts from the first two units I taught as a first-year teacher …

The Construct Validity Of The Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (Rias-2) And The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale Of Intelligence, Second Edition (Wasi-Ii), Cristen J. Rozek

Masters Theses

This study is designed to assess the relationship between two brief intelligence tests, the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales-Second Edition (RIAS-2; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2015) and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-Second Edition (WASI-II; Wechsler, 2011), through evaluating their ability to similarly measure intellectual skills. These two tests measure an individual’s overall general intelligence. Both tests are able to assess individuals aged 6-90. The WASI-II publisher specified this test was only a screener while the RIAS-2 is not. Tests like the RIAS-2 and WASI-II are more time efficient allowing more time to be spent on other professional responsibilities. Manuals from both …

Incarcerated To Educated: The On-Campus Experiences Of College Students Post Incarceration, Taylor Comer

Masters Theses

As reentry rates continue to climb in the United States, more individuals with felony convictions on their criminal records will be looking to obtain post-secondary education to make themselves more marketable in the workforce. The purpose of this narrative study was to examine the experiences of three individuals that pursued higher education after being released from prison. It was determined that the criminality of these individuals had minimal impact on their experiences in higher education, and that there are other components of their identity that have a heavier influence on their likelihood of success. The other components of their identities …

Social Gender Norms And Depression In College Students, Derek Deeney

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if there was a relationship between the conformity to social gender norms (masculine and feminine) and depression among male and female college students at a mid-sized, four-year public institution in the Midwest. A secondary purpose was to investigate if there was a difference in depression between males and females, and if a there was a difference in conformity to social gender norms (masculine and feminine) between males and females. Understanding the trends in social norm conformity and depression can lead to changes in how faculty and staff in higher education …

Taking A Look At The Chicago Renaissance: A Cultural And Influential Movement, Shannon Watkins

Masters Theses

A resource guide for educators to allow students to explore literature from the Chicago Renaissance; while bridging the gap between Social Studies and English/Language Arts. This guide has lesson plans, curricular resources, and references for Intermediate Elementary teachers and students. Lesson plans are aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy, Illinois State & National Standards. This guide implements Common Core State Standards with interdisciplinary subject areas while developing and emerging critical thinkers in students.

Investigating Sleep Education Criteria In Illinois Public Schools And Its Alignment With Evidence-Based Practices, Bayleigh T. Pasley

Masters Theses

The purpose of the current study was to examine high school health curricula regarding sleep prevention and intervention practices and whether instructional content aligned with best practice for this age group. Specifically, the Primary Investigator and her thesis chair developed the Sleep Education and Preventative Practices Checklist/Questionnaire (SEPPC and SEPPQ) as tools to evaluate the sleep content covered in different public high schools across Illinois. The SEPPC and SEPPQ were identical in that they contained 17 different items which looked at different sleep topics reviewed by current literature. The SEPPC/Q contained two main topics: adolescent sleep knowledge (11 topics/items) and …

The Role Of Study Abroad Directors In The Internationalization Of Higher Education, Alexandra Tserenova

Masters Theses

This study looks at the preparation and job description for those serving as directors of study abroad on the college campus. For this study three professionals who work in director positions were interviewed as well as their job descriptions were analyzed to determine what the expectations are for those in these positions. Study abroad professionals engage with students, faculty, external agencies, and other educational institutions worldwide. They are required to collaborate with many different constituents in the areas of program development, recruitment, risk management, program implementation, as well as pre- and post-departure orientations.

Student Perceptions Of Inclusive And Culturally Responsive Teaching In The Elementary Classroom, Emma Larson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to explore student perspectives, as it relates to inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices. In order to uplift student voices in the elementary classroom, observations and interviews were conducted to collect data on student perceptions. This study found that students believe the teacher’s job is to help everyone, students want a sense of belonging, and students love when their teacher celebrates them. As this research followed students in a bilingual kindergarten classroom, further research is needed in order to grasp a deeper understanding of students, their view, and perception of inclusive and culturally responsive …

Centering Linguistic Justice In The First Year Writing Classroom: An Argument For The Incorporation Of Code-Meshing And Narrative In Academic Writing, Traci Salazar

Masters Theses

The author addresses several questions across three chapters in relation to linguistic identity and standard language ideology in academic writing, particularly as it pertains to the First Year Writing classroom. Firstly, what is standard language ideology, and what are the detriments of its effects on students in the writing classroom? This answer is considered with an emphasis on the implications for students whose home languages are not in close proximity to Standard English (SE) and boils down to a homogenous language that is deemed ideal and is imposed upon others by dominant institutions, such as academic institutions. Within a literature …

Investiture Program, Eiu Office Of The President

Jay Gatrell Documents

No abstract provided.

2023 Celebration Of Scholarship, Creativity, And Engagement, Todd Bruns, Diane Highland

Programs

Annually, Eastern Illinois University honors faculty achievements in the areas of research, creativity, and engagement. This year, the list of faculty accomplishments is again truly impressive, reflective of an engaged faculty committed to excellence and the ongoing pursuit and creation of knowledge. A number of these accomplishments occurred in collaboration with our students, who serve as co-authors, research assistants and partners in bringing these activities to fruition. Indeed, in some cases these professional ambitions transpired over the course of many years, and are a testament to persistence and tenacity--ensuring that these works extend to a broader community of scholars that …

Play And Higher Education: Incorporating Playfulness In The College Classroom, Alicia Cater

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

No abstract provided.

Transpositive Learning: Creating A Positive Environment For Trans/Gnc Learners, Jeannie Ludlow, Shelley Berry

Together We RISE (Making Excellence Inclusive)

The first few days of a new semester are anxiety-producing for all students. Our trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students come to our classes carrying all the standard student worries plus fears that they will be outed, misgendered, misnamed, excluded from examples, and/or unable to find convenient restrooms. So many of our normalized teaching practices, especially during introductory sessions, inadvertently exclude or objectify trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals or reinforce essentialized and binary gender norms. Sometimes, even those practices that we intend to be welcoming are not. In this workshop, we provide tips and strategies for making our courses, from the …

Review Of Inju$Tice, Inc.: How America’S Justice System Commodifies Children And The Poor, Thomas Hansen

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Book review of this title explaining the corruption and the lack of ethics in Ohio and some other states involved in juvenile justice system, foster care placement, fines, fees, and jail.

Students’ Perceptions Of Threats To Their World' Future: An Introduction To Iccs And Global Lesson Plan, James A. Duplass, Reinis Alksnis, Ireta Čekse,

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This article explains the scope and value of the only international assessment (IEA The International Civic and Citizen Education Study, IEA ICCS) of “Civic Understanding” and a uses data from the international comparative study to create a global education lesson plan for U.S. social studies teachers to have their students consider their perceptions of threats to their world as compared to students in other countries. The lesson would most likely be used with middle and high school students.

Teaching Students About The Fragility Of The Republic, William Mccorkle

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Democracy always has an element of instability or fragility. As many have warned, authoritarianism is constantly ready to undermine democratic progress. This article examines how this reality relates to the current U.S. setting, particularly in the aftermath of January 6th and the continued weakening of democratic norms. Attention is given to the historical examples of this problematic trend in the U.S. as well as global examples. The aim of this article is to inform students of the fragility of the republic while also examining ways that the ideas of the democratic republic can be sustained even when they often seem …

Grounding History Instruction: Engaging Place And Scale Through Iterative Local Inquiry Design, Megan Vangorder

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

Teaching local history is often an afterthought in the high school history classroom. It is difficult to find enough instructional time to incorporate local stories and there are often gaps in resource development and approach from a local lens. This article seeks to help teachers articulate a locally driven inquiry approach. Using Illinois as the local framework and the C3 Inquiry Design Model as the tool, teachers can begin to map out how to implement the competing mandates to promote disciplinary skill development, demonstrate content expertise using state mandated units of study, drive student-oriented history, and foster civic competence all …

Remembering The Ladies! A Decision-Making Activity For Teaching The American Revolution, Presley Shilling, Jeffrey Byford, Deanna Owens-Mosby

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This content-centered American Revolution activity encourages students to utilize Robert Stahl’s rank-order approach to promote decision-making in the social studies classroom. The incorporation of women’s contributions in the years leading up to the American Revolution influences students to analyze various perspectives surrounding this historical event. Employing Robert Stahl’s four phases of decision-making, students examine a situation and rank-order the efforts of the daughters of liberty, while investigating the political, economic, and social causes of the American Revolution. Students, individually or in groups, determine which of the seven solutions will be most effective in undermining the British and King George III’s …

Developing Horizontal Expertise With Professional Learning Communities In Social Studies Teacher Preparation, Charles Tocci, Ann Marie Ryan

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

As teacher education programs become increasingly organized around accreditation and licensure standards, finding opportunities to be responsive to teacher candidates' needs and interests has become more difficult. This paper traces the evolution of a professional learning community for secondary social studies teacher candidates as a key feature of one teacher education program and analyzes the collaborative projects designed for the purpose of developing horizontal expertise. We find that professional learning communities can serve as dynamic spaces to co-construct learning experiences with candidates in ways that prepare them for future professional learning as practicing social studies teachers.

Creating Law And Order: A Content-Centered Manifest Destiny Activity, Presley Shilling, Jeffrey Byford, Alisha Milam

The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies

This content activity shows how Robert Stahl’s negotiation activity approach can promote decision-making in the social studies classroom. The effects of the activity on students’ ability to replicate the actions of settlers taking the journey to the western territories in search of gold. Incorporating Robert Stahl’s four decision-making phases, students negotiate social, political, and economic issues associated with the mining town of Bodie, California. In doing so, students must, individually or in small groups, decide and prioritize a series of proposals to better the living conditions, economic struggles, and social problems that have plagued Bodie for some time.

Graduate, 3rd Place: A Comparative Analysis Of Sustainability Report Communication In The Consumer Goods Industry, Nancy Ladeinde

2023 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents

Sustainability reports are communicated in areas visible to stakeholders. One of such areas is corporate social responsibility. Sustainability reports have the function of image enhancement and trust building for organizations, particularly for those in the consumer goods industry. Advancing the research on corporate social responsibility, this study examines how consumer goods organizations communicate their sustainability/impact activities by comparing three large global organizations. The paper is premised on legitimacy and stakeholder theories and reviews the six ESG reports through content analysis. The comparative analysis of a two-year report of these organizations shows differences in patterns and language used in the ESG …

Graduate, Honorable Mention: From Incarcerated To Educated: Experiences Of On-Campus College Students Post-Incarceration, Taylor Comer

2023 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents

When determining how successful a student may be as they attempt to navigate higher education after concluding a prison sentence, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Namely, the barriers to college and academic success, as well as the facilitators of success should be examined as many factors fall under these two categories (Donaldson & Viera, 2021). Barriers to higher education and academic success are the determining factors in if a student that has completed an incarceration sentence would enroll in, and complete, courses. Even if this unique population of students has the means to attend college …

The Strategic Application Of Alternative Grading To Improve Retention And Enhance Equity (Spring 2023), Teshome Abebe, Michael Gillespie

EIU Think Tank Reports and White Papers

Universities across the United States have been using the Pass/Fail grading system for a variety of reasons and in many different ways. There are so many uses of the system as there are universities.

In general, universities have used the Pass/Fail grading system to: help reduce stress and pressure on students; provide more flexibility in course selection and encourage students to explore and pursue interest without fear of damaging their GPA; reduce perceived discrimination and bias in grading, providing more equitable opportunities for all students regardless of race, socioeconomic status or prior academic background; and to improve retention rates by …

Graduate Scholar 2023: Journal Of Scholarship And Recognition, Graduate School Of Eastern Illinois University

Graduate Scholar

No abstract provided.

On The State Of Academic Journals And The Value Of Jnams, Michael E. Dobbs

Journal of the North American Management Society

No abstract provided.

Collective Bargaining And Labor Representation For Higher Education In A “Right To Work” Environment, Thomas Auxter

Journal of Collective Bargaining in the Academy

Originally published by the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, Proceedings, Forty-Third Annual Conference, April, 2016, Our Future Is Now in Higher Education