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Full-Text Articles in Education
The Classroom Environment: Effects On Learning, Motivation, And Behavior, Angela Pierotti
The Classroom Environment: Effects On Learning, Motivation, And Behavior, Angela Pierotti
Master of Education Program Theses
This research study examined the effects of flexible seating on student learning, motivation, and behavior. Two classes of fifth graders participated in the study, so that there was an experimental group and a control group. Each group consisted of 23 fifth graders. The experimental group had flexible seating in their classroom for a period of three weeks. The options included bean bag chairs, floor cushions, exercise balls, and patio chairs with cushions. The control group had desks and chairs for their seating. Both groups took pre- and post-tests to determine student knowledge in the areas of reading and math. The …
Growing Motivation And Learning For The Middle School Student Through Reassessment Practices, Payton Ponstein
Growing Motivation And Learning For The Middle School Student Through Reassessment Practices, Payton Ponstein
Master of Education Program Theses
The purpose of this study was to explore the best reassessment practices, in a middle school setting, that would nurture a learning and motivating classroom environment. The research questions sought to discover the best reassessment practices in middle school and how do these practices increase a middle school student’s ability and motivation to re-learn. Forty-eight middle school students in the 7th and 8th grade were surveyed to assess the effectiveness of each reassessment practice. Furthermore, interviews with four students were conducted for a more in-depth exploration of student learning and motivation. Statistical significance was found in the quantitative data indicating …
Feedback And Growth Mindset: Nurturing A Growth Mindset Through Feedback With Middle School Students, Lori Carpenter
Feedback And Growth Mindset: Nurturing A Growth Mindset Through Feedback With Middle School Students, Lori Carpenter
Master of Education Program Theses
The purpose of this research study was to explore how a teacher can nurture a growth mindset in students using feedback and assessment, inviting them to take initiative and responsibility in their learning process. The research questions sought to answer how a teacher’s beliefs about the malleability of intelligence and ability impacts students’ beliefs and mindset as well as to explore the practices used by teachers in giving feedback to students that nurture a growth mindset. Five teachers, along with their classes of middle school students, were surveyed to assess mindset towards learning. To dig deeper into the questions of …
Importance Of Play: Play-Based Instruction Within A Preschool Learning Environment, Sarah Sjoerdsma
Importance Of Play: Play-Based Instruction Within A Preschool Learning Environment, Sarah Sjoerdsma
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated and compared the attitudes and beliefs of play-based instruction among several early childhood professionals. A researcher-designed survey was sent to participants in several small Midwestern schools. The participants included preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten teachers as well as preschool and elementary administrators. The statements on the survey were based on three different early childhood teaching approaches: teacher-directed instruction, student-centered instruction, and play-based instruction. The responses were analyzed and compared and the results showed mixed beliefs about play-based instruction in the preschool classroom. Preschool teachers and administrators strongly agreed on the play-based statements while TK …
Reading As A Necessity: Best Practices For Incorporating Reading Into One English Course, Kristin M. Janssen
Reading As A Necessity: Best Practices For Incorporating Reading Into One English Course, Kristin M. Janssen
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project investigated the best practices of teaching reading in a middle school curriculum requiring reading and writing to be combined in one English course. A private middle school in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, was evaluated on its use of the best practices. The participants were 24 teachers of 13 different subjects taught to students in seventh and eighth grade. All middle school teachers were sent a survey including questions about the best practices of reading across the curriculum, integrated instruction, and cooperative learning. The results of this study suggested that best practices of reading instruction …
Lmproving Education Through Brain Research, Lisa J. Ihnen
Lmproving Education Through Brain Research, Lisa J. Ihnen
Master of Education Program Theses
Educational practices are improved because of brain research. Cognitive and behavior sciences have provided important concepts for educational practice. Within recent decades, neuroscience has also contributed to the field of brain research, thus enhancing our understanding oflearning. Three main concepts from neuroscience are explored: synaptogenesis, critical periods, and enriched environments. When the entire body of knowledge from all disciplines of brain research is viewed together, then fmdings can be applied to educational practices.