Developing A Curriculum For Tefl 107: American Childhood Classics, Kendra Hansen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In the last few decades, schools have begun to teach culture concurrently with language. Many teachers see value in teaching culture along with language. However, there are few guidelines on what to teach and what materials to use when incorporating culture into a language class. The purpose of this study is to examine the cultural experiences of native English speakers in the United States to develop a curriculum for the TEFL 107 American Childhood Classics course at Minnesota State University Moorhead. A survey was administered to the student body and the results analyzed with descriptive statistics to discover the most …

The Journey Of A Teacher: Adjusting To A New And Larger School District, Lauren Conroy

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Becoming an educator comes with many challenges. As an educator you are often faced with high or different expectations from administration and superiors, you work with a variety of student abilities, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Each day you are faced with situations where you might be challenged to use problem solving skills, or conflict resolution. You must also adapt to a new building, demanding schedules, meetings students’ unique needs, working with new colleagues, and implement and effective classroom management system. This study analyzes the adjustments that I, as an educator went through as I adapted to a new school district. …

Digital Versus Paper: Comparing The Effectiveness Of Paper And Digital Resources In Parent Follow-Through In Early Intervention Home Visiting, Suzanna Holper

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this research study is to determine whether paper resources or digital resources are more effective at eliciting follow-through by parents in between Early Intervention home visiting sessions within Freshwater Education District’s service area. Specifically, the study surveys families that have reliable access to internet as well as looking at differences in the responses based on age of the respondents. The study is structured using a succession of surveys; the first has the participants review the paper resource and the second has the participants review the digital resource. Separate surveys were completed by the home visitor and the …

Understanding The Effects Of Childhood Trauma: Strategies For Educators, Trista Bentler

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Early childhood adversity has major effects on both long and short-term outcomes for children. This paper identifies the definition and causes of various types of trauma, as well as the implications it has on one’s body, brain, and behavior. Through the research and training provided, educators and various school personnel will gain an understanding of trauma and its effects. Furthermore, they will be equipped with a toolbox of strategies and interventions that can be used for all children, but especially those with a history of trauma. A six-part professional development training with trainer’s notes, accompanied by screening tools for trauma …

An Effective Point And Level System For A Self-Contained Emotional Behavior Disorders Program To Decrease Challenging Behaviors, Serena Sorensen

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify what kind of impact an effective point and level system has on challenging behaviors for students with Emotional Behavior Disorders (E/BD) in a self-contained classroom. The participants in this study were students with Emotional Behavior Disorders, who were attending their classes in a self-contained E/BD classroom due to the amount of support their Individual Education Plan (IEP) team determined they needed to be successful in the academic setting. Students had been participating in the self-contained classroom with a point and level system in place along with academics being taught, however students struggled …

Power Of Choice: Empowerment Through Reading, Sarah Heise

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the impact and relationship between empowerment through choice of literary work and hand-selection “on-level” books within public schools, precisely grade three, in the West-Central region of Minnesota. Twenty-three third graders completed a written questionnaire before and after the study to determine their preference when reading for enjoyment using a Richter Scale. Upon completion of the study, students’ Accelerated Reader scores, a tool for comprehension, were thoroughly analyzed and calculated. Scores were sorted between choice books, those that students chose for themselves, and hand-selected “on-level” texts that I chose for them. The …

The Correlation Between Classroom Engagement Strategies And Student Behavior, Abby Neppl

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Shoulders and Krei (2015) conducted a study which revealed that for teachers to be effective in their role, students must be engaged in their learning. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects classroom engagement strategies have on student behavior. There will be three engagement strategies implemented throughout this study, these include turn and talks, cold calling, and Whole Brain Teaching strategies. Behaviors that will be analyzed include on-task versus off-task behavior and overall student participation. The participants in this research project include middle school students, 6^th through 8^th grade. The sample group will consist of …

A Play Based Intervention To Develop Literacy: Using Foundations For Literacy To Help Students With A Developmental Delay Learn To Read, Brittany Coalwell Escobedo

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Kindergarten students with a Developmental Delay need to learn in a way that is developmentally appropriate through play and experiences. This study investigated the use of Foundations for Literacy, a play based and experiential based literacy intervention, to allow Kindergarten students with a Developmental Delay learn to read in a developmentally appropriate way. Students were taught code based and meaning based literacy skills through play and experiences using Foundations for Literacy. The results prove that a short five-week intervention using Foundations for Literacy increased letter sound identification and phonemic awareness at a faster rate than a traditional guided …

A Survey Of Teacher Attitude Regarding Self-Awareness And Inclusive Education Of Special Education Students, Brooke Parvi

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Self-awareness is not something that develops individually or in solitude. Merriam-Webster (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2019) defines self-awareness as, “an awareness of one's own personality or individuality.” Schools have started to increase their understanding of the relevance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and have been progressively providing more training in this area to their teachers. Inclusion happens when students with disabilities to mingle and learn with typically developing students; learn from each other and experiencing social expectations together. Research has indicated that students with learning and behavior disabilities lack social and emotional skills, specifically self-awareness skills.

In this study, educators were …

Self-Monitoring Interventions For Elementary Students With Emotional/Behavioral Disorders And The Effects On Improving On-Task Behavior, Lauren Hayes

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Self-monitoring is a technique used for students that allows them to pay close attention to their own behavior. Self-monitoring consists of two parts; students tracking their own data and comparing data to their previous data in order to see improvement in their behavior. Explicitly teaching students self-monitoring skills promotes independence and responsibility for ones own actions. Learning these skills is essential for students with behavioral problems. Provided is a literature review and research on the effects of self-monitoring interventions for elementary students with emotional/behavioral disorders.

English Learner Advancement In Avmr Structuring, Kristina Bradley

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Add+Vantage Math Recovery (AVMR) is an intensive remedial math program that involves diagnostic assessments and learning trajectories that help teachers identify and work with students who have been identified as having significant difficulties and specific learning gaps in early number learning. When analyzing the AVMR data to see if students can structure numbers as expected for their grade levels in the school district where this study takes place, teachers in the district noted that those who struggle the most are English learners (ELs) and students receiving special education services. While students receiving special education services will continue to experience specialized …

The Relationship Of Mindfulness And Student Homework Completion, David Vinje

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of student mindfulness and homework completion. This study consisted of a sample size of 42 students within a 7th grade public school Language Arts classroom. The data was collected over a period of six weeks using conversations in small focus groups (4-6 students) , student homework completion data, one-on-one conversations with participating students, and individual observations from within the classroom. The results of this study show a loose connection between a student’s mindfulness of their homework assignments and completion, and their ability to complete the assignment(s). The data does not …

Placement Testing Instruments For Modality Streams In An English Language Program, Aimee Hilgers

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine placement testing instruments for the modality streams in the English Language Program (ELP) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). The study involved research into and consideration of types and purposes of tests. A placement test was determined to be the appropriate test type for the program’s current student placement needs. An investigation was performed regarding characteristics placement tests need to possess for our program. With these characteristics guiding research, placement test options for the modality streams were reviewed, including standardized tests and in-house assessments. This project determined that in-house placement testing instruments …

Effectiveness Of Sight Word And Repeated Reading Interventions In The Primary Classroom, Jordan Ackerman

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of my research is to determine if sight word interventions and repeated reading interventions are effective when it comes to increasing reading achievement in primary age students. These interventions are fast paced and focus on intentional teaching practices of reading skills that are critical for emerging readers. Each intervention lasted 5 minutes. One group received direct, explicit teaching and practice of sight words. The other intervention allowed students more freedom in reading a familiar book, to gain confidence and improve their fluency.

Providing A Platform: An Examination Of How Teachers Utilize And Practice Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Hannah Storm

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

For this study, I posed the following question to guide my research: How do elementary teachers reshape and change curriculum and/or teaching practices when provided the opportunity through professional development? Specifically, the study examined K-2 teachers at two different elementary schools in Minnesota. The study aimed to determine how teachers implemented and redesigned curriculum material when provided optional professional development sessions, focused on educational equity, multiracial/multicultural read aloud(s), and culturally responsive teaching strategies. Further, this study focused on how these teachers successfully or unsuccessfully reshaped components of curriculum and teaching practice in order to be more equitable, relevant, and responsive. …

Comstock House Tour Script Adaptation For Non-Native Speakers Of English, Aura Lee Mohror

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This project seeks to increase the accessibility of a historic site to non-native speakers of English. The ultimate goal of this project is twofold: to draw in more attendees from a currently non-museum-attending population to a particular historical site and to provide non-native speakers of English with an understandable local history and language learning experience. The Comstock House in Moorhead, MN is exploring ways to increase its attendance by reaching out to new Americans and immigrants. A focus group composed of students in Moorhead´s adult ESL courses participated in a tour experience after which they provided feedback regarding the content …

Touchstones Of Popular Culture Among Contemporary College Students In The United States, Margaret Thoemke

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This report is based on survey research. The survey was sent out to collect popular culture items from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) students to see if there were popular culture items relevant enough to teach to English Learners (ELs) in order for them to be successful. The research showed that there are several genres of popular culture that should be taught to ELs for them to be successful academically and other to have successful interactions with their peers. This report leaves room for further research to be done in the subject as well.

Guided Reading Framework Needs For Ell Students At The Emergent, Early And Transitional Levels, Elizabeth Evenstad

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this project was to analyze guided reading frameworks used by teachers in grades kindergarten through fourth grade, and to determine if they meet the needs for ELLs. First, key components important to the success of ELLs during guided reading instruction were identified. Then, guided reading frameworks currently in place for students reading at the emergent, early, and transitional reading levels. were analyzed. Last, the framework components were compared with the key components for ELLs in guided reading instruction. If the frameworks did not meet the needs of ELLs then new frameworks would need to be developed. The …

Effects Of Yoga On Student Attention In Pre-K, Amanda Paulson

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects Yoga Calm (Gillen & Gillen, 2009) had on student attention in Pre-Kindergarten students. Nine pre-kindergarten students receiving special education services at an elementary school participated in 5-10 minutes of yoga practice each day in a small group environment before returning to a large group setting for shared reading. The yoga time consisted of teaching of different sequences along with breathing techniques that could also be used independently. Observations were conducted on a weekly basis during shared reading. The observations focused on whole body listening (eyes, ears, mouth, hands, arms, legs, …

Teacher Influence On Motivation Of Korean Efl University Learners, Marie Willyard

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This study took place in South Korea over a four-week period in the first semester of the academic school year and focused on how professors influence the motivation of Korean EFL university students. Through faculty meetings, participants were able to share their ideas, trials and tribulations, and learn more about how teaching style and motivational techniques can be utilized to create or maintain the motivation level of their students. Participants noted that a more fluid teaching style, and techniques that create a fun and exciting environment are instrumental in motivating students. However, there is a fine line between motivating …

Motivation In Male Adolescent Readers, Rachel Dockter

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if weekly one on one conferring with male students was effective in increasing motivation in adolescent male readers. The study began by collecting data on individual reading habits by having students complete a comprehensive questionnaire on their habits and attitudes towards reading. Male students then meet with their instructor on a weekly basis to orally outline their past reading habits, discuss current reading habits, and make goals for future reading habits. The study concluded by having students take the questionnaire a second time to determine if conferring had any impact on their …

The Effect Of Students Reading Digital Text Versus Print Text On Comprehension, Aubrie Ziegler

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

This study explores the relationships between the use of digital and print text and it’s effect on fourth-grade student reading comprehension. The study uses weekly text dependent question quizzes to monitor student reading comprehension within ability groups. Another purpose of this study is to determine if students of different baseline reading abilities perform differently using digital or print text.

Thirty students from a small, public, Air Force Base school, were chosen for the study and participated within their reading groups using either digital or print resources. The results of this study showed that all students, regardless of baseline reading ability, …

Stress Management: A Group Curriculum For Female Adolescents, Taylor Schaible

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

In recent years, research has found that adolescents are experiencing stress at an astounding rate, even compared to adults. With a thorough review of the literature, it has been found that schools in the United States are experiencing an adolescent stress epidemic. Furthermore, students are experiencing stress in ways beyond an academic arena. With that being said, there seems to be a connection between stress leading to anxiety, as well as stress having a profound affect for students who have experienced traumatic experiences. Additionally, the research has shown that there are structural differences within a developing brain that may cause …

Using Phonics To Increase Reading Comprehension In English Language Learners, Lindsay Piekutowski

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Abstract

This paper discusses the implications phonics has on reading comprehension in the older English Language Learner. The subjects for this study were in the same Language Arts class in the Sheltered-Instruction Observation Protocol classroom, and they ranged from 15-20 years old. They were all in the same class because they were all Level III or IV with their language proficiency based on the WIDA ACCESS score in Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The study used Lexile scores from the Reading Inventory test used in the READ 180 classroom as the summative assessment of reading comprehension abilities. The focus for …

Training For Secondary Educators To Decrease School Violence, Katie Grosz

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Violence has been an evident problem in schools across the United States. The literature review is designed to educate school personnel on current research to decrease school violence. A universal proactive approach is used with a trauma informed lens, to focus on students and teachers social/emotional and physical safety. A training has been implemented to increase educator’s awareness of the different types of violence. The training implements strategies for physical, social, and emotional safety needs, with positive change to improve school climate.