Education Commons^™

A Preferred Vision For Administering Schools : A Reflective Essay, Carol M. Knoll

Graduate Research Papers

The most important assignment of the effective school leader is being responsible for establishing and maintaining a climate conducive to academic learning and achievement by the students. An effective school climate, which is promoted by the principal, includes: (a) setting academic achievement as the primary goal of the school; (b) ensuring that all members of the school community understand the importance of good teaching; (c) reducing the intrusions and disruptions in a school; (d) developing a good follow-up system for students who are tardy, absent, or disruptive; (e) being consistent in enforcing the rules, regulations and policies of the school; …

Anorexia Nervosa : A Psychological Perspective Of Etiology And Current Treatment Procedures, Arlene Lagary

Graduate Research Papers

Anorexia nervosa is a chronic and sometimes fatal illness characterized by physical and psychological complications. Although no etiology for this illness has been determined, this paper presents a psychological etiology based on a synthesis of both traditional and current literature. The influence of culture, the therapeutic alliance, and client resistance are also considered. Relapse is common and the illness may last for many years. The health care community has addressed the complexity and chronicity of this illness by using a multi-component approach that includes psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic interventions, family therapy, and psychopharmacology.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Ronald D. Morlan

Graduate Research Papers

Effective administrators must be committed to continually growing professionally. They must hone communication skills that will reflect honesty and clarity. Honesty and clarity in communicating will help facilitate strong relationships. Administrators must approach conflict in a healthy, caring way. They must have passion and vision so that they can lead and influence those around them into shared values and vision. Effective administrators must continually reflect on their own core and basic values, and evaluate how their actions and behavior line up with those values.

Finally, any educational leader must have a heart for kids. They must always remember why they …

Beer Before Liquor, Or Liquor Before Beer : A Research Review Of Binge Drinking Escalation In Greek-Letter Societies On College Campuses Today, Thomas M. O'Shea

Graduate Research Papers

In 1990 college presidents rated college student alcohol abuse as the problem that gave them the greatest concern (Boyer, 1990). However, one specific college campus population that seems to be more likely to binge drink is those students affiliated with the National Fraternities and Sororities.

The purpose of this paper is: • To focus on and define the concept of binge drinking • To establish specific data that show that binge drinking is a problem with fraternity and sorority members • To research and suggest possible solutions that college administrators may use to combat the binge drinking problem on their …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Terrie L. Price

Graduate Research Papers

My personal philosophy of education is centered on what is best for students and their academic achievement. Kids are #1! My vision is that all people who come in contact with children have the responsibility to help them on a journey to be caring, respectful, life-long learners who are productive citizens of today and tomorrow. Schools should create a safe, comfortable, clean learning environment filled with a palette of eclectic teaching and learning strategies where technology is emphasized and naturally integrated.

Coming Out : Implications For Counselors Working With Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Clients, Eric L. Rhodes

Graduate Research Papers

A considerable amount of research has stated that gays and lesbians utilize mental health counseling services at a high rate. Therefore it is very likely that counselors encounter lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) clients. This research focuses on how the sexual orientation of the counselor affects the counseling process when working with LGB clients. In particular, this paper will discuss how the sexual orientation of the counselor facilitates or inhibits client identity development and the coming out process.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : Is It A Behavior Disorder Or Active Childhood Behavior?, Larry G. Scheel

Graduate Research Papers

Although attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder constitutes 33 to 50% of mental health referrals for children, an increasing number of researchers has begun to question the validity of ADHD as a legitimate diagnosis. Eberstadt in her 1999 review stated, "Society has changed since the mid-1980s to view what may be normal childhood activity as lack of behavioral compliance" (p.1). Could the prevalence of ADHD simply be an increasingly active society's response to normal, active childhood behavior? The purpose of this paper is to examine the history of ADHD and explore assessment methods. Data from current literature and personal interviews with recognized professionals …

Divorce : A Guide For Counselors Assisting Children Of Divorce, Roxann R. Scheffert

Graduate Research Papers

Clinicians must be aware of the presenting problems of children of divorce and effective techniques and interventions when working with this targeted population. The purpose of this paper was to provide various interventions and practical guidelines when working with children of divorce.

Integrative Model For Couples Counseling, Annie Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The ability to form strong interpersonal bonds with a romantic partner is one of the key qualities that defines humanity. With the awareness of the prevalence of marital difficulties and the emotional hardships that marital dissolution can cause, it is important to focus mental health attention on the positive effects of and necessity of an integrative model of couples therapy.

Marital and family conflict differs from one couple and.family to another. An integrative model for couples therapy draws on various theoretical positions, bringing together what works into a coherent system. Integrative therapy requires the therapist to enter the couple's world …

Implementing And Sustaining Effective Online Learning In Organizational Environments, Amy S. Campbell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review will address specific issues and concerns that are . prevalent when organizations begin to migrate training and learning activities to an online environment.

The structure of many organizations has been changing over the years to include a diverse and geographically dispersed work force. In an effort to continue to provide training and learning opportunities, while at the same time reducing travel and time away from work, more organizations are seeking to implement online learning alternatives. Online learning offers a unique learning alternative to traditional instructor-led training. However, organizations must be prepared to effectively support online learning and …

Optimum Time To Teach Beginning Reading, Lisa A. Ludwig

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the literature concerning the optimum time to begin teaching reading. Four questions were answered, addressing the optimum time to begin teaching reading; advantages of early reading; problems with early reading; and guidelines for developing an effective reading program.

Early readers were found to have better grades, a higher self-esteem, and continued to be better readers throughout the secondary school years. However, some early readers also experienced difficulties because of the pressure and high expectations put on them at an early age.

It was concluded that there is no magical age …

Personal Perspective On Education, David W. Denhartog

Graduate Research Papers

In order to meet the challenges of educational administration, effective leaders must understand the culture of the school, model a passion for excellence, empower the stake holders, have a sense of commitment to a shared vision, and look to the future acting with integrity that heightens the value of character. Being an administrator or manager is not enough. Today's school leaders are shouldered with unending responsibilities that challenge their abilities every day. By utilizing multiple forms of leadership along with empowerment the tasks and goals set by our society can be accomplished.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Debrah J. Fordice

Graduate Research Papers

The desire to have beauty around me translates to the development of climate as a school leader. It is important for the physical surroundings to make the school family (staff, administration, parents, community members, and students) feel comfortable and at home. Efficient and tasteful use of space help create an environment that produces a feeling of security, and therefore enhances learning. The values of love, family, and beauty all tie together to the creation of a healthy climate in an educational setting.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Susan M. Meehan

Graduate Research Papers

As I reflect upon my vision of effective teaching and leadership within a school, I am energized to implement the many ideas and concepts from this paper into action.· The school administrator plays a pivotal role in establishing the climate and mission for a learning community. My leadership efforts need to be visionary and move the school to its desired state. I must create the atmosphere, with the help of others, that transform the dreams of the learning community into reality. I look forward to stepping into this role someday and impacting the lives and futures of the students, families, …

Identity Formation Of Asian American Teenagers And The Role Of The School Counselor, Susan K. Baker

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers and counselors who work with young people know that adolescence is a time of physical, mental, emotional, and social change. Adolescence is a time when teenagers are trying to form an identity for themselves and as they go through this process, many factors will help form who they are and who they become. Most teenagers are able to navigate these years with little conflict, on the other hand, some struggle with different issues. Adolescents have to deal with issues related to sexuality, peer pressure, and development to name a few. However, adolescents belonging to ethnic/racial underrepresented groups have to …

Moving Students Forward In Spelling, Catherine Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated additional spelling instructional strategies into her current basal program. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of research about methods of spelling instruction and describe strategies that can be incorporated into an existing program to motivate students toward becoming conventional spellers. The article emphasizes the importance of purposeful writing experiences to give students ample opportunities to practice their growing knowledge of spelling.

Whales, Meg Gammon Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Children develop thinking-language abilities through involvement in the language processes. A print-rich environment representing the many genres of literature extended across the curriculum offers meaningful experiences with the language functions. Such literature experiences and related expressive activities can provide in-depth study in the content areas, expanding the understanding of units' concepts and related vocabulary.

A science unit on whales for kindergarten was enriched through literature experiences. The activities were presented through teacher-directed sessions and student-initiated activities available in the learning centers. The result of this extensive print-rich environment was in-depth study and enthusiastic responses on the part of the students.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian J. Truax

Graduate Research Papers

In this research paper, I will be reflecting on three major components: (a) my personal values, beliefs, and philosophies; (b) the necessary elements to be a better educator and administrator; and ( c) my personal vision for administrative practice. Some of these components will intermingle and others will stand on their own principles. These components will be affected by my previous experiences and the experiences that occur during the courses in the Masters of Arts in Education Program, in Educational Leadership.

An Instructional Project Using Physical Knowledge Activities As A Catalyst To Develop Children's Literacy Skills In A Constructivist Preschool Classroom, Patricia A. Wehr

Graduate Research Papers

This instructional project planned and integrated literacy within physical knowledge activities for young children based on International Reading Association, National Research Council and National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines. The project presented children with a variety of ramps and other physical knowledge activities. Children's engagement was preserved through digital pictures. The children utilized these pictures to individually construct stories orally and in script. Instruction for three dimensions of emergent literacy was provided: concepts about print, phonemic awareness, and reproduction of the child's correctly printed signature. As the project progressed, the activities and the stories grew in complexity. …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Brandee M. Alexander

Graduate Research Papers

Literature can link all areas of the curriculum. Extending a literature-based language arts program to the science area can provide a rich learning environment supported by many different genres of literature and related expressive activities that contribute to the dimensions of learning.

A science unit of study on the five senses, with special emphasis on touch, for kindergarten children, was expanded through literature experiences and related expressive activities. The literature presented offered much content on the senses and models of language to nurture the children's emerging literacy. During the one-week of study, learner enthusiasm and peer interaction for reading and …

Extending The Dimensions Of Science Through Poetry, Tracey L. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

The primary function of poetry is to bring enjoyment, but poetry can also foster concept development in an instructional program that extends literature across the curriculum. Because of its intense emotional quality and sharp images, it can assist in connecting children's prior knowledge with new concepts.

One of the goals of an integrated program for fifth grade was to integrate literature-based language arts with science. The connection of the language arts and science areas offered children opportunities to engage in the language processes within the functions of language offered in the science area. Through reading and writing poetry and conducting …

Are Black Colleges Necessary?, Mark B. Longley

Graduate Research Papers

Black colleges have a vital role in the lives of young people and the black community as a whole. They are not vanguards of segregation, but of black culture and black life. Though they are not the most up-to-date technologically, or offer the most magnificent campuses, or accumulate large endowments, they are the most successful in educating black students, doing it with minimal resources. I suggest other institutions study the techniques of HBCUs in order to educate all young people, particularly other minority groups such as Latinos and Native Americans. Our communities, states, and federal governments as well as corporations …

Assessing Career Indecision : A Guide For Practitioners, Jennifer Jakubek

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers first began classifying people as career-decided or career-undecided nearly 100 years ago (Parson, 1909). The concept of career indecision began to become a serious issue once people started having choices and could make decisions regarding their career options. Despite widespread presence on college campuses, career counselors had no standardized method to assess this indecision until very recently.

Since the late 1970s several assessments have been created. The purpose of this paper is to analyze seven of these assessments as an aid for practitioners who deal with undecided students.

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer Bruce

Graduate Research Papers

The development of a print-rich learning environment can facilitate the integration of the curriculum. A literature base representative of the different genres can contribute to the dimensions of learning. A literature-based unit on apples provided kindergarten children with quality literature experiences and many expressive activities that extended the students' understanding of the concept of apples. The unit was presented through teacher presentations and learning centers.

Utilizing The Classroom Computer In A Special Education Setting To Facilitate Cooperative Learning: A Case Study Using Kidpix, Audrey Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Collaboration and cooperative teaching methods have been researched since the late 70's. The research indicates students will learn from each other given the proper environment and tools. In this study, six elementary students were evaluated to examine the effects of teaching individual tasks to students and observing the students for collaboration between partners. Two students were placed side-by-side at one computer and observed by an undergraduate researcher.

The results of the observations report the students were engaged in the activity of KidPix 60-l 00% of the time. All of the students were able to complete the tasks over 95% of …

Parenting Styles In Society Today, Julie Hammond

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of parenting styles relative to the importance of childrearing practices. Its primary focus is to identify and examine parenting styles, which impacts childrearing methods. The authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative methods were identified with strengths and weaknesses compared.

From the comparison, it was determined that the authoritative parenting style provides the most success for childrearing in today's changing American society. The conclusion of the paper offers guidelines and suggestions to parents on establishing this childrearing method.

Howard Gardner's Theory Of Multiple Intelligence And The Implications For Gifted Education, Cynthia Fell

Graduate Research Papers

This article, to be submitted to the national journal, Gifted Child Today, explores how Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory (MI) specifically affects the development and delivery of gifted education. Included are discussions of the definitions on MI and giftedness programming and how each approach identification, curriculum and instruction. Three popular gifted education models are viewed through the lens of MI are Autonomous Learner Model (ALM), Talent Identification and Development in Education (TIDE) and Three Ring Conception of Giftedness.

Distance Education, Kathleen E. Krug

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education has helped to reach many students regardless of geographic location and differences in learning styles. Interactive classrooms, for example the ICN, have helped to eliminate barriers regardless of the distance between locations. Still the concern remains with finding a way to address the different learning styles of the student. This paper will examine both the institutional and situational barriers and how K-12 district administrators in one area of Iowa and the nearby community college are addressing the issues.

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Jennifer A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based language arts program provides meaningful experiences for children within the functions of language. Such programs can be extended across the curriculum to utilize the functions in other areas. These connections across the curriculum can be enhanced through the different genres of literature.

In this article, a literature base was integrated into the science area of the curriculum. A science unit on pumpkins was developed for first grade children with quality literature and related expressive activities that extended the children's literacy and their understanding of plants. Teacher-directed activities were presented along with learning centers.

Meeting The Social And Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Talented Students, Angela Germaine

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review ofliterature was to identify the major problems gifted and talented children may face in social and emotional adjustments and how to cope with these adjustments. It also sought to document strategies by which the social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students may be met in the classroom and to delineate possible interventions that can improve their academic achievement. The review and analysis of literature revealed that two major social and emotional needs of gifted and talented students are self-discovery and an assurance that they are understood and accepted. Suggested interventions focused on the …