Education Commons^™

Meeting Social Emotional Needs In Early Childhood Education, Veronica Armstrong

Graduate Research Papers

Is our nation's educational system heading in the right direction? Tremendous emphasis is being put on academic achievement. With this emphasis comes severe consequences for those schools not meeting standards. This situation is causing many administrators, teachers, and support staff as well as parents, community members, and government officials to have blinders on when it comes to how best to help children succeed. Some believe that the best way to help children learn is to cram it at them quickly and efficiently and hope they retain the information long enough to regurgitate it for the standardized test. Others believe that …

Divorce And Its Effects On The Development Of Children, Lisa Barron

Graduate Research Papers

More than likely, children are not part of the decision making when it comes to divorce. They are the innocent bystanders of divorce that have no choice but to become an integral part of an adult issue. There are no rules books with specific directions to depend on when it comes to children understanding the separation of their parents. Children of divorce need resources, guidance, and more than ever, commitment and consistency from significant people in their lives. Divorce has no boundaries and carries no prejudice. Divorce effects all ages, ethnicities, races, gender, and socio-economic levels. In the earlier part …

Writing Instruction : A New Approach, Sunni M. Hart

Graduate Research Papers

The teaching and learning of reading and math are high priorities in the Waterloo Community School District. The Waterloo Community School District committed many teacher hours and much money to develop curriculum and revise reading and math, provide professional development in best practice for it, and purchase new reading and math materials. Teachers have learned the new strategies, along with the language, and are teaching it to their students. They have worked their way through the new reading and math curriculum for five years now and are starting to become more effective teachers in the areas of math and reading. …

Divorce : Supporting Children And Adolescents, Shannon Griffiths

Graduate Research Papers

Divorce impacts millions of families each year. The experience of a divorce is a process rather than a single event. Children and adolescents experience the divorce process differently. Children often go through five grieving stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Divorce can be devastating to adolescents because they have a broader sense of reality and the world as it applies to their life. Older children are often seen as capable of handing the divorce process and asked to make difficult decisions regarding custody. All children and adolescents who experience their parent's divorce should try counseling. The children and adolescents …

Social Development Of Children With Allergies & Asthma, Nicholas Mohwinkle

Graduate Research Papers

Every child needs special attention in order to develop to their fullest potential. Children struggle with problems big and small as their minds and bodies develop, whether it's a fear of reading aloud, or serious health concerns. There can be serious consequences if a child's parents and peers are not aware of their needs, including something as seemingly small as allergies and asthma. Consequences range from having a rash, to experiencing a fatal reaction if not dealt with (Maisa, 1998). In this paper, I'm discussing the importance of awareness and the issues that children with allergies and asthma face every …

Mediation As An Effective Method To Transform Relationships And Resolve Conflict, Julie R. Kneip

Graduate Research Papers

Mediation has become a well-respected method of conflict resolution. It is currently utilized in a variety of areas including family situations such as divorce and custody concerns, employer and employee disputes, and individual conflicts. Mediation occurs on a global level as well, including intervention with countries engaged in conflict with one another and countries with governments at odds with their constituents. In the United States, mediation is often seen as a way to lower the burden on the courts by having parties resolve issues with the help of a mediator rather than further clogging the judicial system. While this is …

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Angela Bigelow

Graduate Research Papers

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders have the potential to destroy people's lives. The negative consequences of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect so many people-the people suffering from the disorder, the family of the sufferer, as well as the lack of insight of the disorder within the community. According to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (2010), the disorder affects between 2 to 3 million adults in the United States and around 500,000 children and teens have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Due to the alarming statistics and the secret lives of incredible pain and humiliation OCD sufferers' experience, it is imperative that mental health counselors educate …

Gender Identity Disorder Controversies : Male To Female Transgender/Sexual Focuses, Tuyet Noriega

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review discusses Gender Identity disorder disputes and influences from research. Choosing a sex (male or female) is not something people consciously decide. However, there are individuals who do need to decide a sex that is not his or her chosen identity. When an individual chooses to dress as the opposite sex this creates discussion of nature versus nurture, and other dilemmas experienced by society and GID individuals. Most transgender individuals seek some form of medical or mental assistance; therefore, it is necessary for mental health counselors, doctors, and social workers to be aware of Gender Identity Disorder indicators. …

Exercise Intervention, Thomas Earl Loney

Graduate Research Papers

Depression is a major cause of hardship in the U.S., both in terms of individual mental health and cost of treatment. Exercise and physical activity presents a low-cost alternative to achieve the same positive alleviation of depressive symptoms as medications and psychotherapy. There is a large body of research linking exercise to an increase in positive emotions, as well as a range of other benefits.

This paper will discuss some reasons counselors may consider exercise intervention for clients suffering from clinical depression, describe the use of this intervention, as well as leading theories explaining the mechanics behind the emotionally lifting …

Embracing Lgbt Adolescent Clients: From A Person Centered Philosophical Perspective, Zachary Scott Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

What are some of the potential benefits and limitations of applying a person-centered therapeutic approach to counseling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) adolescent clients? This author will examine how a person-centered therapeutic philosophical approaches strengths and weaknesses facilitate counselor understanding of effectively counseling LGBT adolescents thorough examination of a variety of counseling issues presented by LGBT adolescents. Through review of literature, the reader will gain a greater understanding of how to apply client centered approach through examination of sexual identity development, strengths of person-centered counseling, legal and ethical obligations of professional counselors, and counselor self-awareness of LGBT bias.

Major Depression : Diagnosis And Intervention, Lindsay Linck

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will be an analysis of the psychological disorder of major depression. First, the classification of this disorder using the DSM-IV-TR will be reviewed. The areas of etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment will then be considered. Following, a theory-specific approach to the disease including theoretical framework, diagnosis and treatment, and outcomes of using this approach, will be examined. Finally a personal reflection on the subject of major depression, and lessons learned from this project, will be discussed.

Designing Effective Multi-User Learning Environments To Enhance Game-Based Learning, Brian C. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examines the properties of specific video games, classified as multi-user learning environments, for commonalties and compares these pieces of software with sound learning theories to determine effective methods of using these types of software for educational applications. This category of software, though not initially developed as an educational learning environment or tool, has gained interest due to the social and entertainment value inherit with this type of game play. This paper reviews relevant published research material that examines the characteristics of both games created for entertainment value and games created for educational purposes to provide insights on …

Virtual Field Trips, Jill R. Stannard

Graduate Research Papers

This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual field trips and the lack of hands-on experience vs. traveling virtually through the World Wide Web. This study concentrates on the use of virtual field trips for students inside the classroom. Several descriptions of advantages and disadvantages are reflected in this review to provide a credible implementation in exploring the world. This can be done without even going outside or spending a lot of money, through virtual field trips which can be materialized inside the classroom without going farther from the school. This paper defines the qualities of an effective …

Talking About Death, Laura Dostal Reicks

Graduate Research Papers

Grief counseling for students in school is a need that comes unexpected, and thus demands prior preparation for the School Counselor. School is where we teach and help youth explore how to live a life. Death is a part of life. School Counselors can play an important role in helping students to identify what is normal when experiencing loss. The death marks the beginning of a transition period. Failure to communicate the needs of a student who is grieving can result in problems later in life. Grief is a unique journey that cannot be predicted or duplicated. Discussing and sharing …

Beyond Just Reading The Words: Interacting With Text Using Literature Response Journals, Lisa L. La Rue Sage

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a ten-session professional development project on the effective use of literature response journals intended for teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade students. Beginning with an in-depth literature review on reader response theory and research on the practical application of reader response theory in the classroom, the project provides a rationale for the importance of the use of literature response journals to increase students' reading comprehension. The project sessions are designed to guide teachers through reader response theory into effective implementation of literature response journals in the classroom over time.

Applying Forgiveness Therapy To Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Tiffany L. Clark

Graduate Research Papers

Twenty-five percent of women in the United States will report some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) within their lifetimes (Mac, Ferron, & Crosby, 2009). At these rates, IPV has become an epidemic, touching the lives of most people. The effects of lPV on victim's physical and psychological health may be severe and chronic (Weaver & Clum, 1995). Finding potent therapy approaches with this population is essential. The author of this paper proposes forgiveness therapy as an approach worthy of further investigation. This paper focuses on explaining what forgiveness is and is not, describes common sequelae of lPV, reviews Enright's …

Exploring Behavior Disorders In Children And Adolescents, Melissa Berger

Graduate Research Papers

Over the last century more and more children and adolescents have been diagnosed with behavior disorders. While problematic behaviors in adolescents have always been seen in and out of schools, it has only been in the last century that psychologists have looked deeper into the root of these behaviors. The term "behavior disorders" can in fact encompass a number of different disorders seen among both children and adolescents. The three specific disorders discussed in this paper will be attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHA), conduct disorder (CD), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). A great deal of the time, children exhibiting these types of …

Motivation And Its Impact On The Academic Achievement Of At-Risk Students, Emily Ann Bishop

Graduate Research Papers

Theories demonstrating the relationship between motivational variables and school achievement have substantially increased over the past three decades. This can be of great potential to educators because if students' motivation is more acquiescent to change than their ability, then achievement can be enhanced through practices that positively affect motivational development. Unfortunately, information on how such theories can be applied or utilized is often overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness and practical applicability of concepts from motivational theories on the academic achievement of at-risk students.

Design Practices Business Organizations Employ To Deliver Virtual Classroom Training, Rebecca L. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to investigate what instructional design practices organizations employ to deliver virtual classroom training to their workforces. The review examines why companies are implementing virtual classrooms, positive and negative elements of implementing, instructional design strategies companies use to deliver effective virtual training and how learners perceive virtual classroom training compared to traditional face-to-face settings. Best practice with research shows that the most critical factors in successful virtual classroom training are engaging learners, using the software technology effectively, applying instruction design practices and accurately evaluating learner perception. By understanding the best practices, instructional designers can …

Designing And Developing Online Instruction For The Adult Learner : Learning Theories, Motivational Models, And E-Tivities, Krystal Grady

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to describe how instructors can build interactive online courses that will enhance student learning, enjoyment, motivation, and success in an online distance education course. It is intended to be a resource for instructors to use when planning and preparing to teach an online course. This literature review should help instructors understand who adult learners are and what motivates them to succeed; why using an instructional design model will help save time, money, and increase the success of the course; and how to use the technology available in the online environment to build online …

A Review Of Instructional Strategies For Assisting Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In The Preschool Classroom, Michelle Miller

Graduate Research Papers

There are many people in today's society who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). More and more children in today's schools are exhibiting the characteristics that coincide with ADHD and the children exhibiting such behaviors appear to be getting younger and younger. The author of this review studied current scales and measurements that are being used to effectively diagnose young children with ADHD. The author described common characteristics found in preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD, as well as teaching strategies that are currently used for assisting these children in preschool classrooms.

What Is Really Happening When I Teach? : A Self-Study In A Secondary English Classroom, Margaret Christensen Mnayer

Graduate Research Papers

As an educator in an urban school, determined to provide my students with the most effective teaching, I engaged in a self-study to examine my practices and evaluate effectiveness based on current research. I used Schulte's (2002) framework to build my self-study. Her indicators of a quality self-study are: 1) thorough descriptions of the context, data collection, and analysis, 2) thoughtful problemization of researcher and her practice, 3) indications for how study changed researcher's practice, and, 4) a description of how the new insights gained might contribute to knowledge base for other teachers.

Using Mobile Devices In Education, Jennifer N. Nitchals

Graduate Research Papers

With the changes in technology over the last few years, it is important to consider mobile devices because they offer a variety of applications to enhance what is already being taught in the classroom. The review discusses how today's mobile devices have many capabilities that are pertinent to education and the enhancements to current curriculum. The review also covers the challenges that need to be addressed in order for the mobile devices to be an asset to the classroom. The resources used for the discussion include journal articles, books and literature reviews. The review will give an insight to how …

Educating A School Community Implementing A One-To-One Laptop Learning Initiative, Shannon Mcclintock Miller

Graduate Research Papers

As a major technological change is implemented into a school community, such as a one-to-one laptop learning initiative, it is essential to educate everyone involved in order for it to be successful. In this research project, the Van Meter 1:1 Laptop Learning Initiative Google Site was developed to provide the resources and continued support needed for the change. The digital tools created to be used through the Google site brought knowledge, collaboration, creativity, and connections to the students, teachers, parents, and community at Van Meter. The tools also served as a way for Van Meter to connect to the world …

Self-Censorship In Iowa Elementary Libraries, Lacey Fliger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether or not Iowa elementary school children had access to fiction and non-fiction titles containing potentially controversial topics. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Iowa elementary schools with professionally certified school librarians hold a greater number of recommended books from ALA Notable Children's Books list from 2002-2009 in which reviews do not indicate potentially controversial topics as compared with those ALA Notable Children's Books from the same years in which reviews indicate potentially controversial topics. The methodology used for this study was quantitative research. The researcher randomly chose 45 …

Essential Assessment For Quality Online Learning In Higher Education, Shu-Hsiang Chen

Graduate Research Papers

Linking assessment with learning objectives and outcomes has become significantly important in assessing adult learners in higher education. To better understand how adults learn and their expectations for learning, this paper provides a literature review that examines adult learning theory, learner characteristics, and motivation factors that shape our understanding. Additionally, this paper provides an in-depth review on the definition of assessment, types of assessment, formative versus summative assessment, alternative assessment, self-assessment, and the most appropriate and essential implementing principles and strategies in an online learning environment. The resources were retrieved using the University of Northern Iowa Library's online cataloging system …

Cyber-Communication : Can Virtual Server Technologies Serve As Effective Media Delivery Tools For Human Performance Enhancement?, James E. Dorris

Graduate Research Papers

This project involved exploring whether or not virtual server technologies are viable and effective tools for human performance enhancement. The goal of this project was to conduct a comparative analysis of three specific virtual servers (i.e., YouTube, TeacherTube, and iTunesU) to determine whether or not either of these would serve as effective assets for improving the media development and delivery capabilities of the staff and faculty members at Hawkeye Community College. Four collaborative multimedia development projects were produced, monitored and evaluated to determine the levels of consistency, reliability, and user-friendliness in departmental media delivery processes. The research team of Hawkeye's …

The Question Is The Answer : Making The Language Arts Classroom Meaningful With Essential Questions And Student-Driven Inquiry, Ashley A. Jorgensen

Graduate Research Papers

Coalition research scholar, Grant Wiggins, firmly believes the idea of a question-driven, inquiry approach to teaching and learning should be at the heart of a school's mission. In examining one of the chief questions of a school's mission, that is, 'What are the aims of a high school curriculum,' Wiggins says it must involve getting students to "use their minds well" (Cushman, 1989). Wiggins says that, "students should emerge from their high school career with an integrated vision of how to think within the culture, which implies a broad understanding, not just narrow or rote expertise" (Cushman, 1989). In order …

Constructivism And Distance Education : Meeting The Needs Of Adult Learners In Distance Education, Kimberly D. Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

This review addresses literature regarding how the implementation of constructivist principles in designing online learning environments can meet adults' needs. This literature review identifies the specific characteristics and concerns associated with distance learning environments. It also explores the usefulness of using constructivism as a means to meet the unique needs of adult learners in distance learning courses. Resources consist primarily of books and articles published from 1995 to the present, dealing with issues of constructivism, andragogy, and distance education.

The topics covered include constructivism, adult learners, and constructivist-based strategies integration with particular attention being paid to the problem-based learning model, …

Cloning In Young Adult Fiction, Jennifer L. Kehoe

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to discover the issues raised about human cloning in young adult fiction. This study determined the themes found in the young adult fiction selected and if those themes reflected issues about human cloning. The questions asked in the study were: 1. Does young adult fiction confront the complexity of ethical issues about human cloning? 2. Do the plots and characters in young adult fiction about cloning provide substance to provoke reader response to the ethical controversies that surround cloning? A thematic analysis was conducted. The researcher read each book and recorded themes that were …