Education Commons^™

Virtual Reality: The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Video Game Play On Students' Learning, Joanna Baffes, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Use Of Creative Writing To Change Students' Perceptions Of Essays, Amy Bannon, Jeanne Koehler, Facutly Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Student resistance to writing formally structured essays is a common roadblock found within the high school classroom across disciplines. Offering an alternative to formal essays, creative writing provides students with a less rigid opportunity for exploring and communicating personal viewpoints and discoveries. This paper investigates how students' perceptions of essay writing change when creative writing is incorporated into the writing process. This study was completed using a qualitative self-study approach and included varying data collection methods such as field notes, student work, and student feedback. The findings of this study indicate that opportunities for creative writing increase student interest and …

Integration Of Health Education Into Mathematics, Cameron Barnish, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

The purpose of this study was to explore the integration of health education into the mathematics curriculum in a fourth grade classroom. I developed and taught math lessons that involved making graphs which focused on diet and exercise. The unit was designed to incorporate two Illinois State Learning standards in which students should be taught the basic principles of health in order to maintain physical fitness and be aware of how to prevent and treat illness and injury. I generated my own post unit assessment of student learning and provided students with a journal in which to record their written …

Multiculturalsim And Metamorphoses: How Changing Racial Demographics In The United States Are Influencing Museums In The 21st Century, Catherine Bayles, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This poster presentation reviews literature related to museums and their ability to cope with the shifting demographics of our nation. It aspires to facilitate discussion pertaining to topics significant to educators as well as the general public. Through the analysis and review of 12 current research articles on the topic of multiculturalism and museums, it has been determined that the changing racial makeup of our country is affecting the museum world greatly. Upon reflection of the pieces of literature read, it has been revealed that the altering demographics and the majority-minority shift in populace has led museums to focus on …

Improving Students' Retention Of Mathematics And Science Concepts: The Case Of Two Teaching Experiments, Kristina Bennett, Stephanie Ross, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self-study conducted using teaching experiment methodology (Steffe & Thompson, 2000) examined high school students' retention of mathematics and science concepts. While there were differences between the mathematics and science classrooms, both studies used entrance and exit slips as primary forms of assessing short-term retention. Unit tests functions as assessment for long-term retention. The findings show that a variety of teaching strategies benefited students' retention of concepts in both mathematics and science. Results from these teaching experiments contribute to the expansion of limited research on students' retention of mathematics and science concepts.

What Is The Most Appropriate Late Work Policy?, Michael Czajkowski, Jeanne Koehler, Facutly Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Incorporating Movement And Hands-On Experiences On Student Learning, Cara Deverman, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This inquiry took place during my student teaching experience. While student teaching, I explored the use of movement and hands-on experiences throughout the curriculum as a way to effectively engage second graders in learning. I designed and taught lessons incorporating movement, utilized movement breaks, and added movement to classroom transitions in order to answer my research questions of: how can I effectively incorporate movement and hands-on learning into lessons and daily routines; and what impact will incorporating movement and hands-on experiences into the classroom have on student learning? I conclude that movement positively impacts student learning academically, physically, socially, and …

Utilizing Mathematic Manipulatives In The Elementary Classroom, Carlie Hoekstra, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self-study was designed to investigate the impact of using mathematic manipulatives on elementary students' learning of expected math skills, specifically at the fourth grade level. This inquiry included the implementation of both concrete and virtual manipulatives. In order to determine how to utilize manipulatives in math to support and foster student attention, comprehension, and retention, this inquiry focused on observations, lessons, student assessments, and reflections. I conclude that manipulatives can be beneficial tools used to enhance student learning when they are properly applied within the classroom. It is necessary for teachers, as well as students, to have ample time …

Cooperative Learning, Eleanor Holisky, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Citizenship Education Through A Classroom Economy, Meg Nally, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self study is based on my belief that citizenship education should be a part of our schools' curriculum. Drawing on the work of Raif Esquith, I implemented a classroom economy to facilitate students' hands on educational experience of being a working citizen by contributing in our classroom. Over the course of the study, students were given responsibilities to keep our classroom running smoothly. They were "paid" for some of these responsibilities and were responsible for managing their earnings to pay rent, fines, or purchase rewards. To assess what students learned, I implemented three assessments, photographed materials, and recorded field …

Furthering Math Education Through Differentiated Instruction, Amanda Packman, Robin` Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

During student teaching I observed that my third graders had an array of mathematical abilities and retention levels of math concepts. Differentiated instruction is when teachers respond to the individual needs of students through a variety of strategies. To address my students varied abilities, I incorporated differentiated instruction into the math curriculum. I sought out to study exactly what differentiated instruction in math looks like and which strategies within differentiated instruction improved the students' retention and addresses the varied ability levels. Through differentiated lesson plans, field notes, and student reflections, I conclude that differentiated instruction, when implemented correctly, is a …

Creating A Community Within The Classroom, Kelsey Porter, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self-study investigates the creation of a community within a classroom. In this study, a classroom community is defined as a classroom in which students cultivate supportive friendships, feel safe to share, are respectful, responsible, value honesty, and care about each other and their teacher. The following questions were explored:

• "How can I create a community environment within the classroom?"

• "What does a classroom community look like within a fourth grade classroom?"

• "What are the positive impacts that a classroom community has upon students and teachers?"

Field notes describe interactions between students and peers and interactions between …

Integrating Physical Activity In The Elementary Classroom: High Five Or Low Five On Academic Achievement, Alexandra Richardson, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Learning And Making Connections: Content Integration On The Secondary Level, Rachel Rock, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Readers For Life: How Differentiation In Reading Affects Motivation To Read, Kimberly Schuetz, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

The Light Bulb Lab: A Creative Writer's Workshop―Integrating The Fine Arts And Fiction Into Second Grade Literacy Curriculum, Ariana Wilkey, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self-study was motivated by my passion for reading, writing, and the fine arts. My goal was to incorporate the fine arts into second grade literacy curriculum to encourage students to become more enthusiastic about their writing. I developed and taught lessons designed to encourage students to approach writing with a playful and creative attitude. I prompted student writing through activities inspired by the fine arts. The activities ranged from listening to Beethoven's music to exploring the magical lands of Dr. Seuss. Throughout my study I collected extensive field notes, audio recorded student feedback, and student work. I conclude that …

Implementing Group Interactions To Encourage Peer Teaching, Social Relationships, And Collaborative Problem Solving In Mathematics Classroom, Jessica Madigan, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

"Cooperative learning is a pedagogical practice that has attracted much attention because of a large body of research that indicates students gain both academically and socially when they have the opportunities to interact with others to accomplish shared goals" (Johnson & Johnson, 2002). I implemented a self-study focusing on small group interactions into everyday lessons throughout student teaching. The participants of my study were unfamiliar with group work, but had positive perceptions of group work. By encouraging an active involvement in mathematics, I was able to increase the presence of peer teaching, social relationships among students, and collaborative problem solving …

Being Smart About Smartboards: A Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (Tpack) Analysis, Katie Dietrich, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Translating Shakespeare's Language Into The Modern Classroom, Kathleen Ellison, Jeanne Koehler, Facutly Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Using Vocabulary To Enhance The Understanding Of Mathematics As A Language, Jennifer Monaco, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Mathematics vocabulary is not often a focus in the mathematics classroom; however, it is found that acquiring new vocabulary enables students to communicate better mathematically, which allows teachers to gauge student understanding. Bay-Williams and Livers (2009) discuss the importance of making connections between previous concepts and new material, so students can apply knowledge and explore and engage on an individual level. Monaco's self-study focuses on two main topics: types of activities that help students learn mathematical concepts and the advantages of reading, writing and speaking mathematics. She conducted the study in three geometry classes and one fundamental geometry class at …

Understanding Life: Senior Perspectives In Creative Writing, Elizabeth Hudson, Jeanne Koehler, Facutly Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

Although high school is meant to prepare students for the "real world," it is difficult to determine what knowledge about life students possess at graduation. Learning about how seniors understand and think about life experiences provides educators with greater knowledge of how to meet their maturing needs. This presentation examines how seniors from a Creative Writing class view life themes that came across through their writing. This study was completed using a qualitative self-study approach and included varying data collection methods, such as field notes, informal classroom discussions, and student work. Research has shown that student conceptions of life experiences …

Cultivating The Skilled Imagination: Teaching Grammar Through Creative Writing, Stephanie Nudelman, Jeanne Koehler, Facutly Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

What Works In Writing, Margaret Byrne, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

For this self-study, I developed and presented a series of authentic writing experiences and corresponding mini-lessons for fourth graders. This study looks at my journey through the early stages of implementation of a literacy program based on writer's workshop. The goal of this study was to answer the questions of which teaching methods best engage and motivate students, whether the implementation of some components of writing workshop leads to differentiated, individualized instruction in support of all students' writing, and how to balance grammar instruction with workshop practices. By evaluating my lesson plans, student work, writing conference transcripts and field notes, …

Personalized Learning In An Urban Classroom: Using Student Feedback To Design Lessons, Maribeth Dahlberg, Jeanne Koehler, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Lesson Study: A Collaborative Process Of Improving Instruction And Facilitating Students' Motivation, Danielle Wall, Ben Dombroski, Leah Nillas, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Promoting Academic And Social Success By Creating A Positive Learning Environment, Kathleen Zeman, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

In my study I aimed to investigate how to create a classroom environment that is caring and encourages academic higher learning. Additionally, I explored how such a classroom impacts the social and academic success of students. The study is a result of the ongoing development of a learning environment during my student teaching experience. In regards to classroom environment, I focused on teacher-student relationships and classroom management strategies. Through the initial and ongoing creation of a classroom, close observation, and extensive reflection, I discovered the effects relationships and management style have on students and their learning environment. I conclude that …

Motivating Young Readers: Creating And Implementing A Classroom Library That Is Rsponsive To Students And Their Diverse Reading Interests, Emily Alford, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This inquiry was motivated by my student teaching experiences in a fourth grade classroom during which I experimented with the idea of motivating students to read through engaging them in a classroom library that was responsive to their diverse reading needs and interests.

I implemented a plan that integrate specific activities and interactive lesson plans and media into the already existing reading curriculum spotlighting the classroom library. My study was conducted and highlighted through students' organization of the classroom library, the inclusion of additional media into the already substantial classroom library, novel studies and book talks and the impact of …

It's Not Just About The Pta: How Families Can Get Involved In Their Child's Education, Jenna Frazier, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Student-Centered Learning In The Elementary Classroom, Beth Izzo, Robin Leavitt, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

This self-study examines implementation of student-centered learning in a second grade gifted classroom. My objective was to meet the needs of the students in ways that urged them to participate in their own learning. Specifically, I explored the questions, "how can I implement student-centered activities' in a way that students still obtain all the information that would be presented to them in a traditional teacher-centered lesson?" and "what are the students' responses to learning that is centered on their specific educational and developmental needs?" Data included documenting and reflecting upon lessons which involved hands-on activities or cooperative group work. All …

Bilingualsim Vs. Special Needs: The Methods And Critiques Of Diagnosing Language Acquisition Issues Vs. Special Needs, Kristin Lee, Ana Floriani, Faculty Advisor

John Wesley Powell Student Research Conference

No abstract provided.