Education Commons^™

Killing The Spirit: Doublespeak And Double Jeopardy In A Classroom Of Scholars, Olga M. Welch, Carolyn R. Hodges

Trotter Review

One of the most difficult tasks we face as human beings is trying to communicate across individual differences, trying to make sure that what we say to someone is interpreted the way we intended. This becomes even more difficult when we attempt to communicate across social differences, gender, race, or class lines, or any situation of unequal power. We have conducted a nine-year longitudinal study of the relationship between pre-college enrichment experiences and the development of academic ethos (scholar identity) in educationally disadvantaged African-American adolescents. The study, Project EXCEL, examines how each participant constructs a definition of "scholar" and how, …

Obstacles Facing New African-American Faculty At Predominantly White Colleges And Universities, Keith Mcelroy

Trotter Review

Many African-Americans beginning their first faculty appointment at predominantly white colleges and universities may be in for a surprise. They may be under the illusion that engaging in good publishing, good teaching, and to a lesser degree, good service will ensure their advancement to tenure. Although many authors have explained in detail the consequences of not publishing, few have focused on the obstacles involved in obtaining good teaching evaluations. In many instances, African-American faculty may find their teaching evaluations are based on students' personal opinions rather than on the professors' pedagogical approaches.

This essay will examine some of the obstacles …

Let's Get It Started: Teaching Teachers How To Implement A Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Jamal A. Cooks

Trotter Review

In today's American schools, many teachers are faced with the problem of keeping African-American students engaged in the lessons taught in pre-K-12 classrooms, a problem which at times leads to low academic performance. According to data presented in the 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress, 48% and 66% of African-American students scored below the basic competency level in reading and mathematics respectively. With many African-American students being labelled "not proficient" in some academic content areas, a growing achievement gap exists between African-American and European-American students. This gap contributes to fewer African-Americans 1) gaining access to institutions of higher education; 2) …

Help Wanted: Building Coalitions Between African-American Student Athletes, High Schools, And The Ncaa, Patiste M. Gilmore

Trotter Review

This essay focuses on a topic of intense debate emerging over the last several years: strategies to improve the academic preparedness of collegiate student athletes. The issue should have been resolved with the passage of Proposition 48 in 1986. This measure stipulated that first-year students who wanted to compete in intercollegiate athletics Division I institutions must meet three requirements: 1) Completion of high school core curriculum; 2) Achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale); and 3) Earn a combined score of 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or score 15 or better on the …

A Phenomenon Of Religious Relevance Developing At Predominantly White Institutions, Donald Brown

Trotter Review

In a recent conversation with a colleague at a neighboring institution, we reflected that in the nearly twenty-five years that we have worked at predominantly white universities, little has changed with respect to Black students dissatisfaction with campus life. Since the 1960's, a considerable amount of research has been done on the causes of attrition among Black students in higher education. A number of themes have emerged as causative factors of dissatisfaction and, in far too many cases, attrition among Black students. Three themes, however, seem to re-surface repeatedly. They are the feelings of alienation, isolation and loneliness. Many Black …

Leadership For Diversity: Effectively Managing For A Transformation, Adrian K. Haugabrook

Trotter Review

Diversity has become a contentious theme woven throughout many different aspects of higher education. Multiculturalism, ethnic studies, women's studies, curriculum reform, strategies for increasing access and opportunity to the under-represented and under-served and improving campus climate have all been vehicles to promote and further diversity initiatives. Diversity stands to challenge much of what has been the traditional views of higher education. The efforts to promote multiculturalism and diversity have caused the academy and the enterprise of higher learning to introspectively examine and reexamine its values, beliefs and relationships to a much larger society. American higher education now sees itself in …

Enhancing Multicultural Education Through Higher Education Initiatives, Porter L. Troutman Jr.

Trotter Review

This paper describes a comprehensive initiative intended to increase multicultural education and the amount of ethnic diversity among college of education faculty and undergraduate teacher education students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The paper details six components of the on-going initiative: 1) staff development: to enhance the sensitivity of college of education faculty regarding cultural issues, 2) a minority mentoring program: to provide a stronger support system for under-represented populations enrolled in the teacher education program, 3) the multicultural education project (MCE): a collaborative effort with the public school district in multicultural education, 4) the College of …

Preparing White Undergraduate Pre-Service Teachers To Teach African-American Students: What Does It Take?, Frances Y. Lowden

Trotter Review

A strong appreciation and knowledge of diverse cultures is vital in delivering what the Association for Childhood Education International position paper identifies as the curricular areas that should be addressed in a preparation program for teachers of young children. Thus, undergraduates must develop: 1) an acquaintance with great music, art and literature, 2) a knowledge of health, safety and nutrition, 3) an understanding of the physical and biological aspects of the world and the universe 4) a knowledge of mathematical concepts 5) an ability to read with comprehension, then to analyze, interpret, and judge a wide range of written material, …

The Implementation Of Radical Constructivism Within The Urban Mathematics Classroom, Randy Lattimore

Trotter Review

One of the most serious problems in mathematics education continues to be the dismal statewide mathematics proficiency test performance of African-American students in urban schools. It has been argued that one of the best ways to improve performance is by connecting the pedagogy of mathematics to the lives and experiences of these students. Although many theories have been implemented in the urban mathematics classroom to assist African-American students in developing and increasing conceptual understanding, members of the urban mathematics education community should take a closer, more serious look at the implementation of radical constructivism within urban mathematics classrooms.

A number …

Project Mime: Reshaping Mathematics Education In Secondary Schools, Joseph A. Meyinsse

Trotter Review

For a number of years the movement to reform the content and processes of mathematics education has gained momentum. At this time the consensus of professional thought based on student performance is that the old methods of teaching based on performance objectives have failed. As a result, these must be replaced from kindergarten through college by methods which emphasize hands-on activities and thereby actively involve the learner in the educational process and which promote the development of higher order cognitive skills. It is also the consensus that this process will develop students who are mathematically and scientifically literate and who …

The Institution As A Citizen: How Colleges And Universities Enhance Their Civic Roles, Nancy L. Thomas

New England Resource Center for Higher Education Publications

This paper is premised on the assumption that civic responsibility is the contemporary version of higher education's historical outreach mission. With that as an understanding, it considers how best colleges and universities can fulfill this commitment of service to external communities, broadly defined to include local, national, and international concerns. The paper offers typologies of ways that institutions structure academic outreach, responsive curricula, land-grant and extension school programs, faculty professional service, coordinating student volunteerism and encouraging public access to campus for athletic or cultural events. Institutions interested in enhancing their civic role can take from this paper strategies for enhancing …

Emotional Quotient : Predicting And Teaching For Future Success Of Students, Denise A. Hale

Graduate Research Papers

Emotional Quotient (EQ) involves virtually every aspect of a person's life and plays a more important role in predicting success for students than the traditional Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Emotional intelligence involves recognizing one's emotions, thus having a sense of self-awareness, managing and controlling one's emotions, motivating oneself to achieve a set goal, responding with empathy, and handling interpersonal relationships with appropriate social responses.

Many children today are deprived of natural opportunities to develop a healthy EQ. Through modeling and continued reinforcement starting in the early elementary grades, EQ can be taught. Teachers can provide literature experiences as the basis of …

Oppositional Defiant Disorder And Conduct Disorder : Different Names For The Same Condition?, Daryl L. Hawkins

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature related to the proposition that oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are, in essence, the same disorder, with varying degrees of severity. The author of this paper believes that it would make more sense diagnostically to combine these two diagnoses into one category.

This paper will cover a variety of areas related to oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. First, a section on the formulation of the diagnostic criteria is presented. Brief definitions and descriptions of the two disorders follow the diagnostic criteria section. In addition to …

Developing More Efficient Readers : A Guided Reading, Making Words, And Sentence Writing Practice, Nancy Hohanshelt

Graduate Research Papers

Inefficient reading of text by poor readers has always been a concern of reading teachers. This paper demonstrates an approach that increases vocabulary, aids comprehension, and improves writing. It incorporates three processes: guided reading, making words, and sentence writing.

The guided reading segment is where the text is introduced and then read by the students. Difficult words are studied and mini-lessons may be initiated at this time or a later time. The second portion of the lesson is for making words. A word is chosen from the guided reading text and becomes the target word for this portion of the …

School-Based Primary Prevention Programs For Eating Disorders, Suzanne D. Holmes

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an extensive review of the literature and research related to anorexia nervosa, and to emphasize the importance of prevention programs in school settings and the role of school psychologists in the prevention and intervention process. Chapter two of this paper covers anorexia nervosa and the theories regarding its etiology, complications, co-morbidities, risk factors, and treatment. Because anorexia nervosa is a disorder which most frequently begins during adolescence, chapter three addresses the specific factors of adolescence that can lead to eating disorders.

Throughout the paper, there is an emphasis on the lack …

Meeting The Needs Of Gifted Adolescent Girls, Marcia Schrader Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

Guiding high ability girls during their middle school and high school years has been as complex and enigmatic as the subjects themselves. This review attempted to synthesize information concerning characteristics and needs of adolescent girls, gifted adolescents, and gifted adolescent girls. Those specific needs would help determine what programming options could be implemented in the secondary schools to help gifted females reach their potential. The conclusions drawn from the literature point to a smorgasbord of programming options that can be implemented through collaboration among talented and gifted programs, school-wide efforts, and community-wide strategies.

Environments that provide encouragement and opportunities may …

The Integration Of Call In Efl/Esl Learning Environment, Kuei-Chin Huang

Graduate Research Papers

A number of studies have shown that learning through the use of computers is more efficient than traditional methods and arouse students motivation (Johnson & Osguthorpe, 1986; Jung, 1992 ). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), to investigate the immense potential of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), and then to identify ways in which computers can be used to enhance foreign language learning.

Effects Of Extrinsic Reward Conditions On Students' Intrinsic Motivation : Implications For Teachers, Jennifer D. Jacobson

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a review of literature on the effects of rewards on intrinsic motivation. Two recent meta-analytic studies are reviewed and compared in terms of their conflicting findings. Studies that examine specific conditions in which rewards may enhance or undermine students' intrinsic motivation are reviewed. These selective studies include research on verbal rewards, noncontingent, tangible, expected rewards, and contingent, tangible, expected rewards. Suggestions for future research are made.

A Project Approach Using Integration And Collaboration To Study Ancient Civilizatons In Sixth Grade, Kim Marie Nadermann Kerian

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to describe a 6th grade project intended to build responsibility in students for their own learning and develop an integration of curriculum areas through the study of Ancient Civilizations. Within this project, 6th grade students were involved in a research project with the final production of an ancient civilizations museum where they shared their knowledge and taught other students about their chosen civilization.

Extended Learning Program Evaluation, Linda S. Keegan

Graduate Research Papers

The rationale for the development of this project is to improve the quality of education for the gifted education program at the Marion Independent School District. The project was based upon the evaluation instruments employed to parents, students, and teachers effected by the ELP in the grades kindergarten through third grade. Parents were given a survey regarding the ELP program goals and objectives, communication, and satisfaction of the program. Students were given surveys regarding their learning and feelings about the program. Teachers were given surveys discussing a variety of topics dealing with parents, students, and services provided in the program.

Inclusion And Inclusive Classrooms At The Preschool Level, Michele Keefer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature is to examine previous research concerning inclusive classrooms at the preschool level and to determine the most appropriate guidelines for inclusion. Benefits and problems of inclusion were discussed. Guidelines for developing and implementing inclusive programs were suggested. Also, a summary, conclusions, and recommendations are included in the last chapter.

Creation Of A Web Site For The Cedar Falls Historical Society, William W. Kay

Graduate Research Papers

Web sites are a growing media application for conveying information to anyone with Internet access. The creation of a web site for the Cedar Falls Historical Society was designed to provide the community an opportunity to access the organization's activities, schedules, and special events and to become knowledgeable about museum facilities as well as the history and historical personalities of the local area. The site contained information on membership, donations, structure, and other useful information.

I met with the Historical Society Board of Directors and presented a description of the scope, benefits, logistics, time frame, and cost of the project. …

Differentiated Educational Programming And Educational Strategies For The Highly Gifted In The Elementary Schools Of Malaysia, Norridah Katun

Graduate Research Papers

Highly gifted children, due.to their unique attributes, need a differentiated program and educational strategies that are commensurate with their abilities. As a part of the educational reform movement, the country of Malaysia has committed itself to the implementation of innovative strategies for developing the potential of its children and youth. This review of literature focused on that commitment.

First of all, the need for differentiated programming and educational strategies for the highly gifted was reaffirmed. Then, from the reviewed literature, the qualities of successful differentiated programming/strategies were established for highly gifted children in the elementary schools of Malaysia. Third, six …

Reading Recovery In The Classroom : A Literacy Team Approach, Nancy Strunk Larsen

Graduate Research Papers

A recent remedy for the concern over continued progress and over communication between Reading Recovery and the classroom is to adapt Reading Recovery practices in the regular classroom. A Title I Reading Recovery program in a Midwestern school adopted this very remedy. The program initiated in this elementary school has two Reading Recovery teachers, three first-grade teachers, and two second-grade teachers who work collaboratively as a literacy team. The goal of the program is to use a teamwork approach to teach reading both with the idea of meeting the instructional needs of the student and also of teaching the classroom …

Do Or Die : A Survival Guide For New Teachers, Peggy A. Martin

Graduate Research Papers

This article is written in an effort to help new middle school teachers with classroom management. Beginning teachers are well prepared in terms of curriculum, theology, and strategies, but until one actually experiences the myriad of personalities and situations in a classroom, there is little they can do except hang on for the ride. The author hopes to encourage new teachers to adopt attitudes which will foster a learning environment for students and create confidence in the teacher which will result in a classroom that is amicable and filled with students eager to learn.

The Integration Of The Superhighway Into The Classroom : The Advantages And Disadvantages And Precautions That Need To Be Taken When Allowing The Internet Into The Classroom, Shawn Louise Maly

Graduate Research Papers

Today few educators go without using some kinds of computer technology. Every year the number of schools connected to the Internet grows, as does the number of teachers with their own e-mail accounts. Now we seem to be heading into the areas of virtual instruction and virtual classrooms. The growth of computers is going to continue; it is inevitable. As we continue moving forward in education and technology, what are the advantages, disadvantages and precautions that need to be taken to integrate the Superhighway into the everyday classroom?

The Effects Of Acceleration On The Attitudes Toward And Achievement In Mathematics, Nancy Preece Mcgill

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the affects of participation in accelerated mathematics classes on the attitudes toward and the achievement in mathematics of thirty-five seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students and their parents. The respondents, from a small rural school district, completed a survey consisting of an open-form question and ten statements designed to elicit perceptions regarding their attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics.

Results indicated that parental attitudes were significantly more positive than students as a result of participation. Results also showed that participation produced no harmful effects and, in fact, many respondents expressed a desire to continue taking accelerated classes. …

Book Discussions : Guiding Students In Creating Their Own Questioning, Christine Matthew

Graduate Research Papers

Book discussions increase the understanding and personal meaning of books through the students' active participation during the reading process. Previous to book discussions the students would give a statement from the book or paraphrase the book. With the new format students are able to talk about the character's feelings, predict the happenings in the story, discuss the circumstances in the story and how the story could have been written differently.

The success of the book discussions makes it an easy decision to continue the program. This process is very enjoyable and can be adapted for any classroom and teacher. The …

Multiage Education, Wendy S. Matson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of the literature relative to multiage practices in education. The primary focus of this paper is to review the benefits and problems of multiage practices in today's elementary classroom. The intent of this paper is to present a balanced view of the pros and cons concerning the education of children in a multiage environment. This discussion focused on some of the problems educators face in trying to do so.

The conclusion of this study found the teacher, the parent, and the administration are vital as a cooperative unit in educating a child, as each teaching …

Teaching For Educated Children, Jane Ericson

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Considering the question, "What are the qualities of an educated child?" has been both a personal and professional journey for me. That question was what I sought to answer nearly a year ago and have been thinking about ever since. Through this paper I intend, not just to share any conclusions I have reached, but also describe the thinking process I went through to get there. Actually, the process may have been more significant than the end. I believe that it has been a worthwhile topic to investigate, helping me to grow as I complete my own formal education and …