Education Commons^™

Differentiated Social And Emotional Learning For Latine Students, Patricia Lopez-Chavez

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Social and Emotional Learning is an emerging approach that aims to support the whole student through their growth in five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, CASEL, 2020). This study seeks to explore how Social and Emotional Learning, Culturally Relevant Teaching, and Trauma Informed Pedagogy are differentiated and combined to support Latine students' social and emotional needs. Qualitative research was conducted to find answers to two research questions: 1) How do teachers in predominantly Latine, low-income elementary schools bridge existing Social and Emotional Learning framework/programs to meet the …

The Fear Of Missing Out Phenomenon On Belongingness In Secondary Students, Minnie Mcbride

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

The popularity of social media use by teens has come into question with the 2013 discovery of a phenomenon called the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). FOMO is defined as “a pervasive apprehension that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent” (Przybylski, Murayama, DeHaan, & Gladwell, 2013). According to the literature, FOMO can impact learning, health, and safety. The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine how FOMO on social media impacts students of color at one independent secondary school in Northern California. The researcher conducted personal interviews with six students of color in grades …

Implementation Of Culturally Relevant Teaching In Namibian Classrooms: Understanding Impediments And Identifying Assets, Fransisko Constantino

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) is a teaching approach that can be utilized to improve academic outcomes among diverse student populations. Currently, however, there is a lack of research examining why some teachers struggle to implement CRP, particularly in educational contexts beyond the U.S. This study examined why there is a lack of implementation of CRP within combined schools in the Kavango East region of Namibia. More specifically, this study assessed the role of CRP within Namibian English Second Language (ESL) classrooms and examined how the experiences of ESL teachers affected their ability to implement CRP. In addition, this study explored …

Teachers Perspectives On Student Behavior And Aces, Bridget Mudd

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Since 1998 substantial evidence has been available showing rates of prevalence for different types of adverse or potentially traumatizing experiences that can happen during childhood. In response, many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of trauma informed practices in environments that treat mental health issues. Despite supporting evidence, policy makers have been slow to implement these practices in schools. Teachers are on the front lines of this issue. They are in a position to be most effective in supporting children and most impacted by student behavior yet their voice is notably absent from the literature. The purpose of my research …

Harmonizing Social Emotional Learning For Students With Special Needs, Deema Shihadih

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Students with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically face difficulties with social emotional skill sets, yet many classrooms for students with ID do not incorporate social emotional learning in the curriculum. Modifying SEL programs to fit the needs of students may be an improved solution, however, little research exists exploring the effects of modifying various SEL programs to fit the needs of students with intellectual disabilities (ID). This research explores the benefits of modifying multiple social emotional learning (SEL) programs to best fit the needs of students with intellectual disabilities. Qualitative methods were used in order to investigate how SEL programs and …

The Effects Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention On Middle School Special Education Students, Michelle Castillo

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Abstract

Adolescence is a vulnerable period to a child’s emotional and social environment due to the puberty-related changes in hormones, which has an effect on their judgement, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Middle school students face several daily stressors at school, at home, and in their communities. Although adolescents face stressors in and out of school, a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) can be beneficial. This research focuses on the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on Latino middle school special education students in regards to their attention and behavior in general education classes as well as their self-perception. While prior studies address …

Socially Engaged Art Projects With High School Students, Katherine Randall

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

There is research on the benefits of art classes beyond being a creative outlet, and it shows that art classes can be a good place to practice being a better citizen. This research shows that art classes teach skills that are beneficial to students in helping them become better citizens and connect with their community; especially when using socially engaging art projects. However, in the research there is a lack of the student view on completing a socially engaged art project and what they learned from it. The purpose of my research was to understand student perception of socially engaged …

Language Interventions And Social-Emotional Learning Helps Students Who Are Emotionally Disturbed, Megan Walsh

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Students who are classified as being Emotionally Disturbed (ED) often struggle in the general education classroom setting because they do not receive the proper support to be the most successful. Many teachers do not understand how to work with these students due to a lack of training and understanding of the disability. Additionally, these students who typically have behavioral issues will continue to act out without forming interpersonal relationships with their teacher. Although research has demonstrated some understanding of working with these students, few studies have explored the use of language interventions and social-emotional learning to promote positive student-teacher relationships. …

Failing To Support Our Struggling Readers, Hannah Reilly

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

There is an increasing number of students scoring below grade level proficiency in reading/language arts. There are many benefits to using educational technology to support students struggling with reading, although the teachers at this school aren’t integrating technology into the reading curriculum. While there are many prior studies that address the benefits that educational technology has with students struggling with reading and perceptions of teachers, there is not substantial research on why teachers fail to integrate educational technology into the reading curriculum. The research focuses on the problem of teachers failing to integrate educational technology into reading curriculum in order …

Life Skills For Life-Long Learners: Teaching Functional Skills To Elementary Students With Special Needs, Emily H. Derecat

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Though extensive studies exist regarding teaching life skills at the middle school and high school level in special education to support transition, a comparable amount of research is still needed to support the need for the use of life skills-based programs in elementary special education programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate how a six-week intervention using research-based practices to target specific life skills impacted 2nd - 5th grade students with moderate to severe disabilities. The skill areas that were targeted: hygiene (hand-washing), social skills (appropriate greetings) and money skills (collecting money). The life skills were worked on …

Empowered Learning Systems In Student Success, Craig C. Laupheimer

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Although various support systems are attempted by public schools to cause changes in student motivation and academic performance, students continue to consistently underperform and doubt their academic potential. A literature review revealed a growing body of research outlining a direct relationship between internal beliefs and performance outcomes. Yet little has been done to understand student thought patterns from their perspective, or to what extent they are able to recognize and address the internal systems of language, belief, and emotion that interact with learning. By analyzing a wide range of student perspectives, this study examines what tools and strategies students have …

The Pursuit Of Wholeness: Benefits Of Integrating Social-Emotional Learning In A Primary Classroom, Patricia Lopez-Chavez

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Students with low socioeconomic backgrounds have not, historically, had adequate opportunities to develop emotional intelligence through high-quality Social Emotional Learning curriculum. This capstone acknowledges the concept of Social-Emotional Learning (also known as SEL) in primary education. The purpose of this research is to identify the benefits of SEL and to explore ways to implement SEL curriculum into the classroom. This research aims to answer the following questions: (1) What are the benefits of teaching SEL in elementary classrooms for students?; (2) How can SEL be integrated into the classrooms on a daily basis? Research methods include reviewing scholarly literature and …

Eliciting Student Voice To Explore The Need For Culturally Responsive Teaching In Secondary Schools, Henna Lopez Rahimi

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

The aim of this research was to elicit student voice in regard to school climate, belonging, racial identity, and culturally responsive teaching, to glean a greater understanding of the academic achievement gap in a secondary school with predominantly White students and a minority group of students of color. Current studies are limited when it comes student perspective on the effects of culturally responsive teaching, identity formation, belonging, and school climate in this specific demographic. The purpose of this research is to discover how students experience culturally responsive practices and to understand how school programs, extracurricular programs, and actions by other …

The Impact Of Rigorous Curriculum In Transitional Kindergarten And Kindergarten, Lauren Clough

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Educators across the world are being asked to teach increasingly younger students academic skills. The purpose of this action research project was to examine the impact that using rigorous curriculum has on transitional kindergarten and kindergarten educators as well as how rigorous curriculum affects students self esteem as a student. A shortcoming in the literature is the lack of research discussing rigorous curriculum used in early elementary classrooms that contain mostly English language learners and how that affects the teachers and students. This project used a mixed methods approach in order to attain qualitative data from detailed interviews using open-ended …

Recess Preparation And Reflection For Supporting Social Connectedness, Elizabeth Teasdale Wells

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

This project examines the effects of how recess preparation and reflection can be focused on providing students an opportunity to connect socially and strengthen overall happiness. By investigating the role social satisfaction plays in a child’s life during recess, educators may gain knowledge about how to foster social connectedness for every child. While most studies about recess focus on a child’s level of physical activity or negative behaviors, researchers have yet to investigate recess as a place to improve a child’s well-being and social satisfaction. This study was conducted at an elementary school through qualitative interviews and observations. Teachers, administrators, …

21st Century Stewardship: The Role Of Educational Equity In School Sustainability Programs, Marissa Page

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

In light of the increasingly devastating consequences of climate change and the generational inequity involved, there is an urgent need to educate our youth on environmental issues and empower them with opportunities to effect positive change. This research focuses on the problem of inconsistent sustainability programs on school campuses, investigates causal factors and identifies areas for transformation. While many prior studies address the significance of sustainability and the key components of successful school waste reduction, energy conservation and environmental education, this study builds on prior research by considering school sustainability programs through a lens of equity and organizational systems. This …

Expanding The Walls Of The Classroom: Difficulties And Successes In Expedition Based Learning, Jaime Evans

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

When planned and executed with purpose and precision, expedition based, experiential education can deepen student learning, increase engagement, and help close the achievement gap. Yet, this approach to education remains the exception, rather than the norm in a standard public high school setting. The purpose of this research project is to better understand the experiences that teachers and administrators have when planning and executing expeditions, and to explore the obstacles that prevent and/or inhibit teachers from teaching outside the classroom.

Stronger Together: Team Teaching As A Strategy To Curb Burnout, Boost Teacher Efficacy, And Increase Student Engagement, Jenna Degan

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

The focus of this study was to determine impacts of team teaching on teacher efficacy, burnout, and student engagement in the elementary school setting. Few if any studies have examined the relationship between team teaching and elementary school teachers’ feelings of efficacy and burnout. The purpose of this study was to determine if team teaching was a viable and workable approach for teachers in the elementary school settings. In other words, is this a strategy that teachers enjoy? The methods employed in this study were qualitative. Three participants who were currently team teaching from the same elementary school were interviewed …

How To Better Support Individuals Who Have A Special Needs Sibling, Lauren Mcdonell

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

The purpose of this study was to understand the emotions of a neurotypically developing sibling. This study also attempted to understand how caregivers can best support the neurotypical sibling in the areas of self-concept and overall wellbeing. The gap is knowledge is how to better support neurotypical developing siblings specifically in the areas of self-concept and overall well being. Three participants were interviewed to gain insight about their experiences with their special needs sibling. Participants who participated in a support group for neurotypical developing children with a SNS were surveyed to gain insight about their experiences with the support group. …

Fertile Ground: The Impact Of The Natural Learning Environment On The Social/Emotional Development Of Students With Autism And/Or Sensory Processing Disorder, Denise Elizabeth West

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

This research was carried out to determine the impact of a natural learning environment on the social/emotional development of students with Autism and/or Sensory Processing Disorder. For the sake of this research, social/emotional development consisted of social behavior, communication, and participation/engagement. A review of the literature revealed that students with sensory processing issues have difficulty processing stimuli which are unnatural and intensified. The acoustics and set-up of a traditional classroom are characterized by confinement, harsh lighting/volume conditions, and other habitual triggers for sensory discomfort. The natural learning environment can provide students with natural stimuli, fresh air, natural acoustics, natural lighting, …

Benefits Of Dance Education In An Urban Kindergarten Classroom, Anna M. Veelman

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Arts Education can be a valuable intervention for students in an urban education setting. Teaching through the arts can act as a Tier One intervention for students who exhibit disruptive behavior due to trauma in the classroom. It has proven to also benefit classroom culture as a whole. Arts have a healing power that allows students to learn social-emotional regulation skills, body-awareness, and expression.

Dance specifically allows students to express their emotions as well as allow them to release energy as well as support student’s positive behavior in the classroom. Data were collected on 25 kindergarten students with a sub-group …

Claim, Evidence, And Reasoning: Evaluation Of The Use Of Scientific Inquiry To Support Argumentative Writing In The Middle School Science Classroom, Gabriela Mastro

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

In light of the essential science and engineering practices identified by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this study focuses on the specific science and engineering practice, "engage in argument from evidence," and how classroom practices can serve to strengthen this skill (National Research Council, 2012, p. 71). The NGSS focus on inquiry necessitates students’ use of argument, particularly in writing, to communicate their knowledge and scientific findings and to develop an understanding of scientific practice. The purpose of this teacher action research study is to evaluate the influence of inquiry-based argumentative writing exercises, based on the Argument Driven Inquiry …

The Role Of Administrative Support In The Retention Of Special Education Teachers, Atinart Koonkongsatian

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Administrative support towards special education teachers can be a determining factor towards their success in regards to teacher retention, motivation, and overall happiness. Special education teachers face large amounts of paperwork, meetings, and other administrative duties that they are expected to complete in addition to the various teaching duties required as well. The amount of work given can lead to feelings of stress, inadequacy, and most importantly, a lack of desire to continue working in the field of special education. The quantity and quality of administrative support towards special education teachers can play an important role in the retention, motivation, …

Reading Workshop Conferences: Effect On First Grade Student Word Attack Skills, Samantha Everbeck

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Reading workshop is a way to structure a literacy block during the school day that allows for differentiation and a high level of student engagement. During reading workshop, students read independently and with partners at their independent reading levels while the teacher confers with students and leads small groups. During conferences, the teacher differentiates instruction and tailors lessons to individual student needs.

The purpose of this study is to examine the result of individualized lessons on word attack strategies on first grade students’ reading ability. Word attack strategies, i.e. strategies for decoding unfamiliar words, are a crucial component of learning …

The Phenomenon Of Teacher Burnout: Mitigating Its Influence On New Teachers, Kaila Sanford

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Burnout is a psychological condition with physical, emotional, and mental dimensions. Burnout often includes feelings of exhaustion, long-term fatigue, negative self-concept, despair or hopelessness, frustration, and a lack of productivity at work.

Teacher burnout is a well-known and researched field. It has been documented in the literature that teachers experience high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion, which leads to high levels of burnout and professional attrition. This study examined the incidence of burnout in new elementary school teachers and makes recommendations for changes to organizational structure that may reduce professional burnout.

For the purpose of this study five new …

Differentiated Instruction For 1st Grade Advanced Learners In Mathematics, Patricia Cawley

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Differentiated instruction is student-aware teaching, in which the students not only develop content mastery, but also take ownership of their learning. When teachers help students take charge of their own learning, they are maximizing their potential. A review of the literature reveals that young children seek out tasks that are challenging to them, ones that may a bit beyond their ability. These studies further state that “moderately difficult” tasks are a prerequisite for maximizing intellectual development and increases performance, persistence, perceived competence, self-knowledge, pride and satisfaction (Deci & Porac, 1978).

This study examined strategies that teachers can use to differentiate …

Promoting Equity In A Local Urban School Setting, Michelle Ottoboni

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Zoning can impact quality in the education of students, particularly students of color and of lower socio-economic status. An impact of zoning involves family access to quality schools. This is an issue that affects many students locally and throughout the country and may lead to a form of de facto segregation.

School segregation as a byproduct of zoning can impact families and children in socioeconomic level and ethnic identification as important factors. The problem is that students who attend schools located in affluent communities typically have access to more school resources and modern facilities compared to students who attend schools …

Cultivating Engagement Through Student-Centered Learning In A High School Media Art Class, Dyane Goldman

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Student-centered-learning is a broad term for an approach to education where students are independent, self-directed learners (Krueger, 2014). This active environment is invigorating, energizing and filled with students deeply engaged in the work at hand. Educators are leaning towards embracing methods that foster independence in their students and in turn, these methods are proving to be effective in cultivating an atmosphere of engagement in all types of learners.

This study assessed implementation of opportunities for self-directed learning, and evaluated student interest and engagement in classroom activities. A review of the literature indicates that adapting this approach can be effective in …

Understanding The Learning & Advocacy Needs Of A Twice-Exceptional Student Through A Strengths-Based Lens: A Case Study In California, Lisa Krausz

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Twice-exceptional students possess both high ability and learning disabilities. Due to the complex interaction of their gifts and disabilities, these students present challenges to both educators and parents alike in identifying and understanding their learning and growth needs. Most educators adopt a deficit approach when working with these learners; new research, however, calls for multi-dimensional, strengths-based approaches in order to more effectively engage these students into positive school experiences and academic growth. Strength-based approaches draw upon an understanding of the student’s strengths, interests, and talents to entice them into both more rewarding and difficult work; it also calls for a …

The Benefits Of Music Education In The Mild To Moderate Special Education Classroom, Grades 3-5, Kimberly Lloyd

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Though extensive studies exist regarding the use of the arts in general education settings, a comparable amount of research is still needed to support the need for the use of the arts in special education settings. This research project investigated how a once a week music class impacted 3rd-5th grade students with mild to moderate disabilities in developing their academic, social and behavioral goals as identified in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This qualitative research study utilized multiple data forms, including classroom observations of both music and non-music instruction and interviews with teachers, artists, and parents throughout the course of …