Education Commons^™

Curriculum For At Risk Students, Pamela W. Bean

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This curriculum project reviews the research on students who have been labeled drop-outs and/or low-achievers. Several different types of teaching models were reviewed to determine the best model to be used for drop-out and/or low-achieving students.

The project includes curriculum materials that correspond to the Minimum Level Skills objectives for the General Math II course designated by the Duval County School System in Florida. The curriculum also corresponds to the required textbook for the General Math II course. This project strives to increase the ability of the students in the Graduation Enhancement Program to pass the Minimum Level Skills Test …

The Effects Of Teacher Expectations Of At-Risk Students On Teacher Instructional Behaviors, Martha Kahler Castro

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the degree to which teacher expectations of at-risk students affect the teacher's instructional behaviors. Four elementary teachers were observed and videotaped for 20 minutes each during a language arts lesson. The videotapes were analyzed using an instrument consisting of ten behaviors from the Florida Performance Measurement System that reflect Rosenthal's four factors of teacher expectations, climate, input, output, and feedback. The teacher's instructional behaviors were recorded each time the behavior occurred during the 20 minute observation. The data were analyzed to determine if a relationship exists between the teacher's expectations for average or above average students and …

Methods For Incorporating Learning Styles In High School Computer Applications Classes, Joseph M. Shelley

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study utilizes methods and materials not found in traditional high school computer applications classes. Four classes were involved in this preliminary descriptive study. Seventy students in periods four, six, and seven were tested to determine their learning style preference. The emphasis for style was based on one of three perceptual responses: auditory, visual, and emotive. Third period received the teacher's traditional instruction for computer applications. Fourth period received no special treatment other than being tested for and made aware of learning styles. Students tested in the sixth and seventh periods were either individually assigned or allowed to choose …

Open Education: Its Development In America And Its Influence On Current Educational Themes, Laurie Jo Hays

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This paper investigates the origins of the Open Education movement in the United States and traces its development throughout the twentieth century. Pioneers of the movement are discussed, with an extensive description of John Dewey's work provided. Political and social forces which affected Open Education throughout the century are described. Finally, current trends in education are examined to determine whether Open Education remains in practice. Conclusions and implications for classroom practice are included.

Computer And Technology Assisted Language Arts Activities For Middle School Students, Catherine A. Mullan

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Educational research indicates that integrating computers and other technologies into the curriculum, enhances student interest in learning. However, many teachers disregard these tools citing lack of time, equipment, or experience. Based on this information, the researcher designed a project which uses computers and other technologies to stimulate middle school language arts students' interest in learning. An initial survey of 166 middle school students determined that English grammar and usage is the least enjoyed portion of the language arts curriculum. The researcher then created ten computer and technology assisted learning activities which reinforce grammar-related content and skills. A seventh grade language …

A Comparison Of Traditional And Conceptual Instruction On Students' Algorithmic Performance And Understanding Of Area, Laura Borselli Langton

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of conceptual instruction on conceptual understanding and algorithmic performance as well as the student's ability to relate the two. The sample consisted of 83 fifth grade students, divided into four classes. A total of 44 were in the experimental group and 39 served as the control group. Both groups were taught the concept of area. The experimental group received conceptual instruction and the control group received traditional instruction. Two regular classroom teachers implemented the experiment, each taught one experimental group and one control group. A pretest/posttest design was used to collect the data. Analysis of …

Kindergarten Retention, Wanda Elaine Gallmon

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Twenty years ago, kindergarten was a year of informal education designed to help a child develop some readiness skills, adjust to school, adjust socially and learn through play. Readiness for elementary education was defined in terms of attitude and motivation rather than in specific academic achievements.

The hazards of the academic model for young children is supported by recent research. Elkind (1986), for example, confirms that young children do not learn in the same ways as older children and adults. Because the world of things, people, and language is so new to infants and young children, they learn best through …

Positive Models In Literature For The At-Risk Student, Katrina Graham Short

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It has been found that most at-risk students have a very low self-esteem, which contributes to the sense of failure these students feel about their academic life. This study explored the use of bibliotherapy with secondary students in an effort to raise their self-esteem to a level which would counteract the frustration these students feel as they continually find themselves in failing situations in school. Extensive review of available literature on the topics of self-esteem, motivation, at-risk students, and bibliotherapy resulted in the compilation of an annotated bibliography, complete with suggested uses for the works found therein, selected for the …