Education Commons^™

The Development And Support Of Geometric And Spatial Concepts In Preschool- And Kindergarten-Aged Children, Laura J. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to discuss the development of geometric and spatial concepts in preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. This development can be seen through the children's mental and manual rotation, as well as children's experiences with spatial reasoning. The factors that influence these concepts, such as spatial talk and spatial play are also examined. This review identifies ways that teachers can support the development of geometric and spatial concepts in the classroom, such as exposure to materials, pedagogy, interventions, and their own professional development. The conclusion of this literature review synthesizes the evidence, discusses recommendations, and provides …

Extending Mathematic Learning Beyond The Classroom Through Online Discussion And Reflection, Linsey Zimmerman

Graduate Research Papers

This review explores the research (2002-2015) focusing on the use of writing in the high school mathematics classroom incorporating blogs and online discussion. Thirty articles were identified and analyzed which provided information on how writing in the math classroom was developed and carried out. The research found that extending the mathematical learning through writing creates a sense of community among students, allows student reflection and application, and helps students gain a deeper understanding of a mathematical concept. Implications of the research and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Using Interactive Read-Alouds To Support Students' Comprehension, Emily D. Chaffin

Graduate Research Papers

This research project reviews literature on the impact interactive read-alouds have on lower elementary students' comprehension. The studies that were researched focused on how students benefited from interactive read-alouds and how teachers prepared and conducted interactive read-alouds. The project focused on providing model lessons to be used in an interactive read-aloud. Each model lesson consists of introduction to the comprehension strategy being taught, teacher dialogue with students participating in tum and talks throughout the interactive read-aloud and a reflection time for the teacher and students to reflect on the story and how applying the comprehension strategy helped them.

Fostering Reading With A Summer Literacy Unit For Elementary Students, Diane M. Bahrenfuss

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains an instructional unit designed for teaching elementary students who struggle with reading comprehension. The literacy strategies that comprise the unit are grounded in the relevant research-based literature that is cited and referenced in the paper. Methods for instructional delivery are included as well as detailed lessons. Literacy strategy lessons were developed to connect fiction and non-fiction mentor texts with written responses. Discussion of multicultural literature is suggested as an engagement strategy to encourage voluntary summer reading. Student access to high-interest reading material as well as free-choice were major components affecting elementary students' reading development and growth during …

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of School- And Center-Based Preschool Programs : Implications For Early Childhood Policy, Christy Martin

Graduate Research Papers

Currently, preschool programs in Iowa are found in a variety of locations and environments. This paper reports the advantages and disadvantages of school based, center based, and a blended program model with classrooms both in a center and school buildings. The purpose of this research is to provide information to school districts and preschool programs. Preschool professionals in Iowa were surveyed and interviewed about the physical locations of their programs. Methods in this study include a survey of 33 participants and 3 interviews. Research and implications for early childhood policy regarding physical locations of preschool programs are discussed. This research …

A Journey Of Designing And Beta-Testing A Game-Based Unit, Renee E. Thomas

Graduate Research Papers

This project report describes a journey of designing and beta-testing a game-based learning unit with sixth grade students in rural Iowa. Game-based learning was a trial at practicing the 21st century employability skill of demonstrating productivity and accountability. The unit was designed and developed using the backwards planning process of Understanding by Design (Wiggin & Mc Tighe, 2005). The beta testers were two classes of sixth grade students and a classroom teacher. Alpha testers were other school personnel. It is found that a majority of sixth grade students like to be in control of their learning path in a game-based …

A Unit Design : Learning To Code With Finches, William V. Gruman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to develop a coding unit for students in grades 5-8 as an introductory programming course using the programming language SNAP! with a Finch robotics platform. The robotics platform provides a means of student engagement that allows them to complete computer programming challenges that drive interest and motivation. A series of five major learning activities were created as part of a middle school technology exploratory course. The beta testers included the four course instructors and around 30 of middle school student volunteers.

The designed unit was implemented once as a pilot, and was being implemented …

Effective Professional Development For Teachers : Read-Alouds In The Middle Level, Kelly Ann Behmer

Graduate Research Papers

Teacher read alouds are common practice in the elementary level, but they are rarely seen in the middle level. This paper addresses the importance of read alouds, with evidence from the literature, followed by the development of an effective professional development process for working with teachers at the middle level in developing instruction that includes read alouds. The goal of this professional development plan is to teach teachers of all subject areas in the middle level school how to conduct read alouds so they will know how to incorporate them into their specific subject area to enhance their students' learning.

Effects Of Gamification On Motivation And Engagement In Secondary Curriculum, Matthew J. Molumby

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review investigates the ways and means schools have attempted to influence motivation through the process of gamification in secondary curriculum. This literature review analyzed 31 peer-reviewed empirical studies that sought to understand the links between motivation and engagement with gamified lessons. This review attempts to analyze and synthesize the studies that are related to the definitions of gamification and beyond, the successful implementation along with the failures for motivation and engagement, and a whole system that afford school districts a more deliberate approach to gamification in the high school curriculum. The reviewer has attempted to chronicle studies to …

The Effects Of Using Digital Storytelling For Fourth Graders' Literacy Learning, Benjamin J. Feight

Graduate Research Papers

The dual purposes of this action research project were to investigate how the inclusion of digital learning techniques helped impact students' perceptions towards literacy instruction, and any impact on parents' perceptions. The action research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom of twenty-one participants in a rural school, engaging students in the whole process of creating a digital story.

The major results indicate that: a) student motivation towards writing increases when introduced to the concept of using some sort of digital device to write the story; and b) parents were enthused about the level of work their students submitted when …

Changing Early Intervention Provider Practices To A Coaching Model Through Self-Study And Distance Mentoring Model : Family-Guided Routines-Based Interventions And The Key Indicators, Cindy Lefeber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to detemiine whether the use of the Distance Mentoring Model-Family Guided Routines Based Intervention strategies, adult learning strategies and self-study research would assist me in assimilating the Key Indicators into my early intervention provider practices. The Key Indicators are Setting the Stage, Observation and Opportunity to practice, Problem Solving and Planning and Reflection and Review (SS-OO-PP-RR). To determine the extent to which my teaching practices reflect the current practices in early intervention I engaged in Iowa Distance Mentoring Training through the state of Iowa while collecting and analyzing data through qualitative self-study, a constant …

Sign Language In The Preschool Classroom : A Self-Study, Dianna Geiger

Graduate Research Papers

This research was a self-study involving the learning and implementation of sign language in the preschool classroom. Over the course of eight weeks, I taught myself sign language and implemented what I learned in my preschool classroom of three- and four-year-old children. Through journaling, videotaping and surveys, I was able to increase my sign language knowledge at a good rate, increase student engagement and find a unique way to bond with my students. My memory was the biggest challenge for me during the study. Knowing someone that speaks in sign language would be beneficial to someone just starting out. While …

Enhancing Student Motivation And Success In Reading Through Learning Clubs, Sarah Pamela Jackman

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains lesson plans and instructions to be used with a learning club comprised of middle or high school students. While written to take place during the school day, it could be used as an outside-of-school activity as well. Strategies and concepts included in the plans are grounded in research that is referenced within this paper. Lesson plans as well as the necessary documents for completion of the lessons are also included.

The Impact Of Specific Interventions On Child Engagement In A Preschool Classroom, Sarah Elizabeth Farber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of my action research was to integrate environmental changes and instructional strategies into my preschool classroom. These strategies were presented at monthly professional development trainings, which focused on increasing the engagement of all students in the classroom. This study included a sample of three students, two general education students and one with an individualized education program (IEP). These students were video recorded once a month at group time and observed using a data collection tool presented at the professional development meetings.

The results showed that the environmental changes and instructional strategics implemented were effective in increasing the engagement …

Make It So: Employing A Multi-Player Starship Bridge Simulator In A Military-Based Leadership Course, Robert Green

Graduate Research Papers

The Make It So Leadership Training Program employs the multiplayer PC-based Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator game as the capstone exercise in a thirty-hour leadership program. I sought to replicate the leadership training I received as a seagoing military officer, in order to provide students with a valuable and memorable leadership experience in a novel setting. Guided by the Understanding by Design® (UbD) (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) framework, I designed this course to develop students’ transfer and understanding capacities in leadership principles. I received feedback and guidance from alpha and beta testers throughout the design and development phase. As a work …

The Use Of Mentor Texts To Teach Writing In Kindergarten, First And Second Grades, Mary Heeringa

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to research and analyze high quality fiction and nonfiction texts to be used as mentor texts to teach writing in kindergarten, first and second grades. The researcher created a checklist and a table to analyze 81 different texts and then selected 29 to be used as mentor texts to assist in teaching opinion/persuasive, narrative and informational writing. Annotated bibliographies for the 29 texts were written and include how the texts can be used to teach writing in a classroom and/or library setting.

Parent Perceptions Of Support From The School Library, Heather Garrett

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to analyze and describe parent perspectives and aspirations related to their child's information literacy, lifelong reading, and digital literacy skills and the role of the school library program to enhance these skills. Four parents of fourth or fifth grade students in a rural Iowa district were asked questions regarding their knowledge of the current library program and how the library curriculum could improve to better aid their children as they progress through school. Three research questions guided the interviews: I.What do parents already know about their children's skills in information literacy, lifelong reading, and …

Empowering Elementary Teachers To Explore Critical Literacy Through Drama-Based Instruction, Courtney J. Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

This research project comes in the form of a professional development project combining the theories of critical literacy for elementary students and drama as a form of arts integration in literacy instruction. The project consists of six workshop sessions intended for willing elementary school teachers looking to expand their thinking around literacy instruction. Participants experience introductions to drama as an instructional approach by learning three specific strategies, including tableau, character interviews, and writing-in-role. They also learn about the basic elements of critical literacy by engaging in self-exploration and reflection, along with participating in research-based learning exercises intended to extend individuals' …

The Impact Of Augmented Reality On Curriculum And Training Design, Destery K. Hildenbrand

Graduate Research Papers

Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively emerging technology that is being applied in a somewhat exploratory stage, for training design and curriculum development. In this review, 30 articles were selected and analyzed to identify some current uses of augmented reality in training and curriculum design. Four major themes were identified: 1) a brief introduction about AR; 2) the current uses of AR in curriculum and training development, 3) a review of the effects AR has on student engagement, and 4) the future implications of augmented reality in curriculum and training development. Recommendations for the future are also discussed.

Gender Stereotypes In Children's Literature, Christine C. Nebbia

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper focused on the creation of nine professional development sessions using critical literacy practices in order to analyze and examine gender stereotypes in children's literature addressed in the classroom. This professional development grew out of an in-depth examination of the research over the past 40 years addressing gender stereotypes and gender representation in children's literature, as well as, the literature on critical literacy practices and issues of social justice. The professional development sessions were designed around three major goals: to enable teachers to independently analyze children's literature for gender stereotypes; to help teachers understand the four components of …

Word Study And Its Importance To Reading And Writing In The Primary Classroom, Korie Frazier

Graduate Research Papers

The Words Their Way Spelling program was used to evaluate student progress in spelling with direct instruction versus traditional spelling programs. Teachers were asked to volunteer to take the Words Their Way Course, implement the Words Their Way Spelling Program in their classrooms, and allow their data to be used in the decision making process for the district curriculum office. Students began spelling more words correctly in their independent writing, and were therefore able to use what they knew about words to spell unknown words with similar spelling patterns.

Cinematherapy In Gifted Education Identity Development : Integrating The Arts Through Stem-Themed Movies, Timothy Carl Kangas

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the crucial need for inclusion of a curricular component within gifted and talented programming that addresses the social and emotional development of gifted students. This component, cinematherapy, addresses the asynchronous development of gifted students through the lives of gifted characters. This paper details the process for selecting STEM-themed movies to view with students, provides a table of relevant STEM films that feature gifted characters, and possible general discussion questions to be used after viewing.

After-School Success: Associations Between Youth Participants And Youth Outcomes, Dana Miller

Graduate Research Papers

After-school programs (ASPs) are becoming more and more popular among children and their parents, with an abundance of children lacking access to ASPs. Participation in ASPs has been proven to positively impact participants. The positive impacts of ASPs include higher grades, less behavioral problems, and healthy youth development. After-school programs that provide a structural environment, influential leaders, goals, and evaluation of the program are characteristically proven to be more successful than programs who do not have these characteristics. Funding of ASPs can come from various sources and can be classified into one of three sectors; private for-profit, non-profit, and public.

The Transition Of Flipped Instruction : From Professional Development To Classroom, Alison J. Sauter

Graduate Research Papers

This action research study was designed to implement flipped classroom professional development for high school teachers, and investigate whether the flipped professional development could be transferred from the teacher learning into student learning. Over three months the teachers' flipped professional development covered the flipped classroom model, differentiated group work, and the technologies needed to flip a lesson. Each of the seven participants created and delivered three flipped lessons in their classrooms. The major findings suggest that the flipped learning skills were transferred from professional development to practice (with the aid of instructional coaching.) Recommendations for further professional development on classroom …

Differentiated Reading Instruction Through Guided Reading : A Framework For Effective Reading Instruction In The Primary Grades, Kara L. Neville

Graduate Research Papers

Effective reading instruction has been an evolution of many different theories and ideas, and best practices are continually changing and being debated. Differentiated instruction has also been a hot topic in the education world recently, but is not a new concept. What evolves when differentiated instruction is teamed with effective reading instruction? When implemented properly, these two concepts can interweave to create a model for reading instruction that delivers a research-based, effective curriculum which meets the needs of all learners.

Increasing Vocabulary And Oral Language Skills Of Pre-K English Language Learners Through Shared Storybook Reading And Take-Home Literacy Bags, Angela Butler

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Shared Storybook Readings and Take Home Literacy Bags utilizing Dialogic Questioning Techniques on the oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge of preschool-aged English Language Learners.

Eleven preschool students identified as English Language Learners in a suburban school district took part in the six-week intervention. Each week students were exposed to three read-aloud experiences utilizing Dialogic Reading Techniques and Questioning and a Take Home Literacy Bag for further reading experiences with their families. Student growth was assessed weekly using three tools: Teaching Strategies GOLD observations, a Teacher-Created Vocabulary Assessment, and …

Using Digital Writing Tools In Supporting Student Writing, Sarah Mckee

Graduate Research Papers

Core Curriculum guides teachers' writing instruction, requiring students to use technology to 1) produce and publish writing, 2) interact with others, and 3) develop skills to strengthen writing. Teachers should explore digital writing tools as a means to do each. This review examines the roles digital writing tools have in meeting Core Curriculum writing standards and facilitating feedback and revision in student writing. The focus of this review is recent research evidence published in the last five years. The research evidence suggests needed changes in writing instruction, based on teachers' and students' perceptions of digital tools – especially to provide …

What Relationship Between Preschool Class Sizes And Student Behaviors Do Teachers Report?, Lindsey Steen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reports a study on whether preschool teachers of differing class sizes report a relationship between class size and student behaviors. Classes were categorized into small, medium, and large class sizes. Teachers reported Teaching Strategies GOLD scores for socio-emotional skills and gave their opinions about class sizes, Results of this study suggest that there is a relationship between class size and students' social emotional skills, but not always in accordance with teacher opinions.

The Effect Of Serious Gaming On Elementary Student Learning, Amanda Moritz

Graduate Research Papers

With our ever-changing technological world, schools need to incorporate more engaging learning activities that expose and extend students' learning with technologies. This literature review investigated the effects of serious gaming activities on student achievement. Thirty peer-reviewed journals were selected, analyzed, and evaluated. These studies were conducted about a variety of subject areas in the elementary setting in different areas around the world. Research evidence suggested that serious gaming, whose primary goal is not entertainment but instead to educate the user, can improve student achievement, meet their different learning styles, and enhance student motivation across curricular areas and regions. Recommendations for …

The Attitudes Of Typically Developing Young Children Toward Their Peers With Disabilities : A Review Of The Literature, Sara Elizabeth Kayser

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on young children's attitudes toward their peers with disabilities and its impact on the social interactions between typically developing preschoolers and their peers with disabilities. A three-step search and selection process resulted in eleven studies to be reviewed. The findings in these studies are presented around the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of attitude formation. Results indicate that while typically developing young children have a simple understanding of disabilities and state their intention to play with and include peers with disabilities they are significantly less likely to play and be …