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Full-Text Articles in Education
Sensory Integration: Helping Students With Autism Incorporate Sensory Integration Techniques, Mackenzie Lee
Sensory Integration: Helping Students With Autism Incorporate Sensory Integration Techniques, Mackenzie Lee
Education Masters
The present study focused on which sensory integration techniques are effective for students with autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD). Data from this study was gathered from observing four students who have autism and SPD, as well as interviewing the students’ special education teacher and occupational therapist. The findings of this study demonstrate that sensory integration can support students with autism and SPD; however, professionals need to determine which strategies best support each students’ needs. Hence, the findings impact special education teachers, occupational therapists, and parents/guardians of students with autism and SPD. Limitations of this study consist of time (lack …
Instructional Choices And Boys’ Motivation To Read: A Study Of Instructional Choices And Their Influence On Boys’ Reading Motivation, Amanda Galvan
Instructional Choices And Boys’ Motivation To Read: A Study Of Instructional Choices And Their Influence On Boys’ Reading Motivation, Amanda Galvan
Education Masters
This action research paper focused on the question “how do instructional choices cater to boys’ repertoires of practice and influence reading motivation?” This study’s classroom did not intentionally cater to boys, yet boys had good motivation for reading. Data was collected through field notes, questionnaires, discussion, teacher interviews and student work samples. Three themes appeared: boys’ motivation to read is good, text characteristics and the use of books that boys are interested to read are important, and students are compliant with expectations of the classroom. The implications of this study suggest the importance of giving consideration to provide boys with …
Struggling Adolescent Writers: The Relationship Between Critical Thinking Skills And Creating Written Text, Holly Bibens
Struggling Adolescent Writers: The Relationship Between Critical Thinking Skills And Creating Written Text, Holly Bibens
Education Masters
This study examined critical thinking skill related to composing written text. The student received strategy instruction for critical thinking skills at her instructional level of Bloom‟s cognitive domain. Writing samples before and after strategy instruction were scored according to a rubric and compared. Three themes emerged: the achievement gap between independent and expected skills, the benefit of strategy instruction to improve writing and critical thinking and the impact of student attitude on success. Results imply the importance of classroom culture and purposeful instruction to develop critical thinking skills, the importance of targeting the instructional level when providing intervention, the critical …
The Response To Intervention Model And Its Influence On Student Reading Success, Elizabeth Blum
The Response To Intervention Model And Its Influence On Student Reading Success, Elizabeth Blum
Education Masters
This research paper will answer the question “what are the benefits of the Response to Intervention model on student engagement and student success?” The students benefitted from the explicit instruction that in tier two. The data was collected through interviews, pre and post assessments and a rubric. Three major themes emerged including: the effectiveness of selfmonitoring and decoding strategies is essential, motivation and interest is needed to further reading successes and students need to possess basic foundational literacy skills for application purposes. The findings indicated that through the use of interest based texts, systematic and explicit instruction and opportunities for …
Effective Implementation Of Technology, Jeanne Canough
Effective Implementation Of Technology, Jeanne Canough
Education Masters
Technology is ubiquitous, touching almost every part of our lives, our communities, our homes, yet most schools lag behind when it comes to integrating technology into classroom learning. Many schools are just beginning to explore the true potential technology can offer towards teaching and learning. Technology, when properly used, will help students acquire the skills they need to survive in a complex, highly technological knowledge-based economy. Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills and software programs in a separate computer class. Effective technology integration is achieved when the use of technology is routine and transparent …
Video Games: Exploring The Impact Of New Age Products On The Future Of Education, Tim Penrose
Video Games: Exploring The Impact Of New Age Products On The Future Of Education, Tim Penrose
Education Masters
While there is a great deal of theoretical support to back the use of video games in education, however, the experimental support is varied. This study asks how digital games can be used to support reading, writing, and collaborative communication. Research was conducted using students and teachers and data was collected using questionnaires, field notes, and assessments. Findings revealed that game design permits an environment in which students can refine the skills necessary to become a successful 21st century learner. Implications that arise are obstacles teachers will face attempting to integrate games such as time and student ability. Additionally, further …
The Effects Of Animal Assisted Therapy On Students, Cass Beasley
The Effects Of Animal Assisted Therapy On Students, Cass Beasley
Education Masters
This study examined the benefits of using animal assisted therapy student behavior/concentration to read and their motivation to read. Research was conducted in the students’ homes with the use of a certified therapy dog during reading and writing activities. Data was collected through observations, student and parent questionnaires, and examination and analysis of student work samples. The findings show that the presence of a therapy dog can improve student behavior/concentration to read and write as well as motivation to read and write. Therapy dogs should be used in addition to everyday instruction as a behavioral management tool and motivator for …
How The Medium Of The Portrayal Of A Historical Event Affects Students' Perception Of The Event, Andrew R. Episcopo
How The Medium Of The Portrayal Of A Historical Event Affects Students' Perception Of The Event, Andrew R. Episcopo
Education Masters
This paper sought to answer how social studies students perceived information through different mediums. This author claimed that students were perceptive to different mediums and their implied relevance, importance and credibility. Through the use of qualitative analysis, the researcher determined the need for teachers to practice multimodality, that students need to be taught to practice historical empathy, and that there are negative repercussions to heavy technology use in class. The implications are that teachers need to be practitioners of multimodality in their instruction, and that students want to maintain physical contact with the medium from which they are learning.
The Effects Of Comprehension Through Close Reading, Caitlin Dakin
The Effects Of Comprehension Through Close Reading, Caitlin Dakin
Education Masters
The ability for students to comprehend what is being read is an essential skill that is necessary for success in academics and career readiness. It is crucial that each student knows how to read and derive meaning from a text. This study examines the question: how can close reading a text be used to improve students’ comprehension? Audio recordings, discussions, and interviews proved differences between the students’ comprehension of a text through a close read and a general reading strategy. The findings showed improvement in the students’ understanding of a text and provides implications that the teachers should evolve instructional …
The Use Of Technology To Support Vocabulary Development Of English Language Learners, Megan Clark
The Use Of Technology To Support Vocabulary Development Of English Language Learners, Megan Clark
Education Masters
This study asks the question: how can the use of an iPad application be used to support English language learners vocabulary development? Technology can be used as an engaging, supplementary tool to foster vocabulary learning for ELLs. Research was conducted in Clark, New York (pseudonym) with a group of five ELL students and focused on vocabulary development; three students completed teacher-made worksheets and two students completed iPad activities. Three themes were found when conducting research: explicit instruction compared to the iPad, the use of visual and audio components to increase vocabulary knowledge, and differences in engagement and behavior. These findings …
Guided Reading Instruction: How Literacy Candidates Understand And Instruct Using Guided Reading In A Literacy Clinic, Nicole Ackerman
Guided Reading Instruction: How Literacy Candidates Understand And Instruct Using Guided Reading In A Literacy Clinic, Nicole Ackerman
Education Masters
Guided reading is an instructional method that is used in various classrooms around the country. This study asked the question: In a literacy clinic, how do literacy candidates understand guided reading, and what characteristics do effective literacy candidates exhibit? Research was done in in Plaintown, New York (a pseudonym) with four literacy candidates in a literacy clinic. Through interviews with literacy instructors and candidates, observations of instruction in the clinic, and by reviewing student work, it was found that there is a distinct difference between what literacy candidates and instructors understand about guided reading instruction and how it should look. …
Multicultural Literature: The Impact It Has On Today's Students, Michelle Lawson
Multicultural Literature: The Impact It Has On Today's Students, Michelle Lawson
Education Masters
Multicultural literature is a tool that should be utilized within the classroom in order to help students see themselves and their own family structures reflected within the writings. This study examines the question: how the use of multicultural texts based on family structures influences children’s perceptions of family. Questionnaires, informal observations, discussions, and students written responses were methods utilized to gain an understanding of the students’ personal perceptions of family. The findings showed that the participants had preconceived ideas of family and after reading the texts student’s personal perceptions were impacted. The implications demonstrated that educators must expose students to …
Writing Strategies For Struggling Writers, Christine Keeler
Writing Strategies For Struggling Writers, Christine Keeler
Education Masters
Writing is a vital component of literacy acquisition. The writing process contains various steps that children must understand and execute in order to be successful writers. This study asked: how can writing strategies taught in a small group foster the development of literacy among struggling writers? Research was done in Port, New York (pseudonym) with two students identified as struggling writers. Through a writing attitude survey, informal interviews, and instruction of various writing strategies during opinion writing, there was evidence that factors can change writing attitudes: modeling supports understanding of strategies: and self-monitoring strategies can support writing. These findings call …
Vocabulary And Word Study To Increase Comprehension In Content Areas For Struggling Readers, Leslie Glende
Vocabulary And Word Study To Increase Comprehension In Content Areas For Struggling Readers, Leslie Glende
Education Masters
This action research was conducted to examine how instructional strategies and providing students with vocabulary strategies support word knowledge and increased comprehension in content areas for struggling readers. From the literature review, a combination of direct instruction and vocabulary strategies were suggested to increase word knowledge and comprehension. Research was conducted in a special education classroom with four students. Through surveys, interviews, and observation, it was evident that vocabulary strategies positively impacted students’ ability to comprehend social studies content. These findings call for teachers to evaluate their instructional practices to provide direct instruction combined with vocabulary strategies. Many opportunities should …
The Portrayal Of Gender In The Secondary English Texts And Its Effects On Students, Kailee Plucknette
The Portrayal Of Gender In The Secondary English Texts And Its Effects On Students, Kailee Plucknette
Education Masters
The purpose of this study is to answer the question: how does the portrayal of gender in secondary English texts and how it effects student’s perception of gender? Critical literacy practices used during the instruction of texts provide students with the opportunities to examine how the literature effects their perceptions of gender. Through classroom observations, a teacher interview, and small group sessions, it was found that teaching practices are the primary influence of how students perceive gender, not the texts that they read. As a result, teachers should incorporate a critical literacy pedagogy into their classes to help students understand …
Impact Of Home Literacy Environments On Students From Low Socioeconomic Status Backgrounds, Diana Van Vechten
Impact Of Home Literacy Environments On Students From Low Socioeconomic Status Backgrounds, Diana Van Vechten
Education Masters
Literacy is socially constructed and is not developed in isolation. This study explores the impact of environmental factors on students from low socioeconomic backgrounds by asking the question: How does a low socioeconomic student’s home literacy environment affect his or her literacy experiences and interests in reading? Data was gathered in a Western, New York school through the use of questionnaires, observations, and literacy assessments. Results of the study revealed that students from low socioeconomic status (SES) homes are behind in their reading levels and are limited in their literacy interests and class participation. With explicit instruction and intensive intervention, …
Sensory Integration And Negative Behaviors, Lindsay Clifford
Sensory Integration And Negative Behaviors, Lindsay Clifford
Education Masters
No abstract provided.
Academic Intervention Services, David Rodgers
Academic Intervention Services, David Rodgers
Education Masters
Academic Intervention Service (AIS) programs across New York state play a key role in the academic progress of students who have not met grade level standards in any number of core subjects. School districts have the freedom to develop and implement programs in order to meet the needs of their students. The author investigated goals and practices of AIS programs in urban and suburban schools to determine their effectiveness in preparing students for long term academic success. Data was obtained through electronic teacher surveys distributed to teachers currently teaching in grades six through twelve within Western New York. Teachers participating …
Qualities Of Effective Transition Leadership In A Changing School Landscape, Eric Christensen
Qualities Of Effective Transition Leadership In A Changing School Landscape, Eric Christensen
Education Masters
This paper seeks to uncover which key personality traits are thought to be the most important for effective leadership during a period of transition by exploring and researching a variety of popular leadership models. An effort was made to distill as many traits as possible in order to determine which traits were most agreed upon to be necessary for an individual to possess to be an effective leader. A survey based in this research was then created and given to the staff of educational facility in Upstate New York, asking administrators, teachers of record, and para-educators to rank the top …
Guided Reading Instruction: How Literacy Candidates Understand And Instruct Using Guided Reading In A Literacy Clinic, Nicole Ackerman
Guided Reading Instruction: How Literacy Candidates Understand And Instruct Using Guided Reading In A Literacy Clinic, Nicole Ackerman
Education Masters
Guided reading is an instructional method that is used in various classrooms around the country. This study asked the question: In a literacy clinic, how do literacy candidates understand guided reading, and what characteristics do effective literacy candidates exhibit? Research was done in in Plaintown, New York (a pseudonym) with four literacy candidates in a literacy clinic. Through interviews with literacy instructors and candidates, observations of instruction in the clinic, and by reviewing student work, it was found that there is a distinct difference between what literacy candidates and instructors understand about guided reading instruction and how it should look. …
The Impact Of Computer Applications On The Development Of Students' Literacy Skills, Sarah K. Swartout
The Impact Of Computer Applications On The Development Of Students' Literacy Skills, Sarah K. Swartout
Education Masters
Technology continues to change and shape literacy instruction. This study asked the question; how do literacy apps increase student engagement and retention of reading comprehension and spelling skills? The study was completed at the campus of Northern Flamingo College (Pseudonym) in Western, NY with two elementary aged participants. Participants completed reading comprehension and spelling activities on paper, also in apps on an iPad. The findings revealed that student engagement and spelling skills did not increase when using an app over paper. Further, the findings showed mixed results in reading scores and engagement. The implications from this study are that further …
Overrepresentation Of Minorities In Special Education, Kelly Kreskow
Overrepresentation Of Minorities In Special Education, Kelly Kreskow
Education Masters
Overrepresentation of minorities in special education is a growing problem in schools today. Research indicates that factors such as test bias, poverty, poor general education instruction, and insufficient professional development for working with diverse students can cause this overrepresentation. The purpose of my study was to determine if cultural barriers between teachers and students is the main cause of overrepresentation of minorities in special education. Electronic surveys were taken by 11 teachers in an urban school in upstate New York as well as ten teachers in a suburban school in upstate New York. Seven 7th grade students from the urban …
The Disproportionality Of African Americans In Special Education, Michelle Lott-Daley
The Disproportionality Of African Americans In Special Education, Michelle Lott-Daley
Education Masters
The research study addresses the overrepresentation of African American students in special education in an urban setting. This study analyzed the reasons why African American students were overrepresented in special education from the perspective of parents/guardians who have a child classified, as well as from the perspective of teachers and administrators, who work in an urban elementary school. To gather data for this study, I interviewed seven parents/guardians, three teachers, and two administrators. Based upon a careful analysis of the interviews, it was found that parents/guardians, as well as teachers and administrators, acknowledge that African American students are more greatly …
Necessity Of Classroom Community For The Academic Success Of Students In An Alternative Education Program, Courtney Gates
Necessity Of Classroom Community For The Academic Success Of Students In An Alternative Education Program, Courtney Gates
Education Masters
Principals and teachers recommend students for alternative placements based on failure or perceived future issues in a general education setting in the hopes that the student will be more academically successful. Removing students from a setting in which they are failing seems like a logical choice, but do the students perceive it as a good thing? Studies have shown that students in alternative education programs tend to be more academically successful for two reasons. Students feel that teachers and staff in an alternative setting are more invested in their education, which gives students motivation to do well. Secondly, alternative programs …
Best Practices For Successful In School Suspension Programs, Morgan Dimino
Best Practices For Successful In School Suspension Programs, Morgan Dimino
Education Masters
The study analyzed the disciplinary strategy known as In School Suspension and the types of supports students receive in four suburban schools located in upstate New York. I interviewed five administrators at the middle school level. Through the interviews and tape-recording the data, I found that there are several differences among the methods implemented in the four middle schools. Some of these differences consisted of the referral process, resources provided, and the exit procedure from the In School Suspension room. This study illustrates that although there are an array of differences between In School Suspension programs, each participating school had …
Effective Classroom Management In Student-Centered Classrooms, Deena Vanhousen
Effective Classroom Management In Student-Centered Classrooms, Deena Vanhousen
Education Masters
Classroom management is an essential component to the classroom learning environment. Research has focused on a variety of classroom management approaches; specifically teacher-centered versus student-centered classroom management techniques. After reviewing the research, the question, how can teachers effectively manage a classroom with a wide range of learning abilities and styles, in a student-centered way, was proposed. To answer this question, a study involving a variety of teachers in a suburban school district in upstate New York was conducted. Each teacher participated in an anonymous electronic survey to collect data about the teacher’s classroom management approach and how it affects student …
Response To Intervention: Should It Be Used?, Mark Smith
Response To Intervention: Should It Be Used?, Mark Smith
Education Masters
The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent Response to Intervention is used in urban schools at the secondary level. The lack of current research shows that its use is sporadic at best as compared to suburban schools and more affluent areas. Through interviewing administrators and special education teachers in an urban school district in upstate New York, it was evident that Response to Intervention is being used with varying levels of success. There are common roadblocks, which prevent the successful implementation. These roadblocks can be broken down into three themes: confusion with the process and practices, …