Education Commons^™

Western News, Dec. 2, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights:, Middle school math is target of nearly $4 million in NSF funding, Historian pulls off publishing 'hat trick' with 2 books and video series on early Christianity, Weight discrimination rampant in workplace; management researcher Roehling discovers.

Multimedia Materials For Language And Literacy Learning, Terry L. Hallett

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This article introduced educators to inexpensive, commercially-available CD-ROM software that may be incorporated into classroom activities for both normally developing and language learning disabled children. Computer disks read only memory (CDROM) combines speech, text, graphics, sound, video, animation, and special effects. Three types of multimedia CD-ROM products are discussed: a) virtual adventures; b) electronic storybooks; and c) desktop tools.

Reader Response: Students Develop Text Understanding, Ruth R. Becker

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Prompted by Rosenblatt's (1978) framework of the reader's transactional relationship to the text, this qualitative study examines four fifth-grade students' stances and their responses to a narrative text in three classroom activities, a peer-led discussion group, a story map activity, and written responses. This study primarily investigates issues regarding the accessibility of shifts in stance for the students. Additionally, it calls into question Rosenblatt's construct of the aesthetic-efferent continuum.

Reading Horizons Vol. 40, No. 2

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 40, issue 2.

Students’ Conceptions Of Mathematics And The Transition From A Standards-Based Reform Curriculum To College Mathematics, Rebecca K. Walker

Dissertations

Students’ conceptions of mathematics are shaped by the environment within which they learn mathematics and in turn they affect the manner in which students engage in mathematics.

This study examined students’ conceptions about learning, knowing, and doing mathematics after studying four years of a Standards-based reform high school mathematics curriculum developed by the Core-Plus Mathematics Project (CPMP). Student conceptions were examined at the end of high school (n = 2S6) and after one semester of college mathematics (n = 92). The study also provides case studies of six students as they navigated from the CPMP curriculum through college Precalculus or …

Japanese Students' Perceived Need For Communicative English And Their Perceived Proficiency Levels, Takanori Mita

Dissertations

Japanese students of English need to develop their proficiencies not only in oral aspects but in overall practical language aspects. English programs from junior high school to college levels need to be improved in consideration of current needs of students.

This study was conducted to assess college students’ perceived need for changes in the English curricula enhancing communicative competence and to seek their perceived levels of proficiency at graduation in the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) in relationship with students’ majors, academic experience in English-speaking countries, and lengths of such experience.

The research was conducted in Tokyo …

The Relationship Between Multicultural Counseling Competencies And Attitudes Toward African Americans Among White Female Graduate Students, Dianne T. Robinson

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between multicultural counseling competencies and attitudes toward African Americans among White female graduate students in counseling psychology. Participants were 67 White female students enrolled in either the master’s or doctoral level counseling psychology programs in a large Midwestern university. Subjects were administered four instruments. Participants’ self-perceived competencies in multicultural counseling were measured by the Multicultural Counseling Inventory (MCI, Sodowsky, Taffe, Gutkin, & Wise, 1994) and racial attitudes were measured by the Attitudes Toward Blacks Scale (ATB, Brigham, 1993). Demographic information as well as subjects’ level of participation in several activities …

Encounters With Information Text: Perceptions And Insights From Four Gifted Readers, Dorothy Leal, Barbara Moss

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This study examines the nature of engagement with informational text by exploring four gifted students' responses to children's information books and informational storybooks. The researchers interviewed the students and students recorded their responses to books in journals over the course of the study. Results indicated that these children expressed a variety of reasons for reading nonfiction and held interesting perceptions and strong opinions about informational content, which varied according to text type. Children identified authors' purposes and genre differences, and expressed preference for books with depth of coverage along with a creative format.

Mothers' Prosodie Features: Strategies To Guide Young Children's Understanding Of Book Language, Linda E. Martin

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Mothers use prosody to engage children during book reading. Thus, prosody may contribute to children's literacy. The purpose of this study was to describe how twenty-five mothers across children's age groups (6-month olds, 12-month-olds, 18-month-olds, 24-month-olds, and 4-year-olds) used prosody, specifically pitch and stress variations, while reading with their children. Common speech samples from the readings of two different texts (narrative and expository) were analyzed. In addition, the mothers were questioned about their use of expressive language while reading. Patterns from the data showed that the mothers of the 6-month-olds did not vary their speech as often. They used the …

Students' Mental Models Of Electricity In Simple Dc Circuits, Andrew C. Isola Iii

Dissertations

This study presents the results of research into middle school students' knowledge about the nature and mechanisms of action of electricity in simple DC circuits. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders (n=99) were asked a series of questions about the roles of bulbs, batteries, wires, and electricity in circuits. Almost half the number of students (n=42) were found to have used detailed, well-defined, and logically consistent mental models based on their responses. A total of 15 different detailed mental models were documented in these students that belonged to one of four different general model types: (1) round trip flow using both …

A Comparison Of International And U.S. Students In Apa-Accredited Programs: Acculturation, Counseling Self-Efficacy And Role Difficulties In Supervision, Johanna E. Nilsson

Dissertations

There has been a call in the multicultural supervision literature to enhance the understanding of minority students’ unique training needs and develop appropriate theories and models of training for these students (Leong & Wagner, 1994; McNeill, Horn, & Perez, 1995). Although a few researchers have empirically examined differences between U.S. majority and minority students in multicultural supervision (Cook & Helms, 1988; Vander Kolk, 1974), virtually no empirical studies have been published on international students’ training experiences.

The main purpose of the present study was to advance knowledge regarding the training needs of international students in APA-accredited programs in psychology. It …

Western News, Nov. 11, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Winter classes pushed back two days to provide Y2K cushion, House Speaker Perricone and ABC's Hickey to receive honorary degrees at December 11 commencement, Cambridge scholar to give campus talk on Hinduism, Smith; Demetrakopoulos retirement receptions set, Lamidi Fakeye to make pre-Smithsonian appearance on campus, Public session Nov. 17 focuses on interim plan for campus growth.

Geosciences Newsletter- 1999, Department Of Geosciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

Vol.1, No. 24

• Dear Alumni and Friends
• Faculty News
• Graduate Student News
• Student News
• Alumni News
• Donations

Western News, Oct. 28, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Clinton signs bill that will bring $1 million to campus river researchers, Sky Broncos make it seven in a row at regional NIFA competition, Stryker's Brown is next Haworth speaker, Self-study under way for North Central re-accreditation effort, Year-end countdown spells trouble for those who are Y2K complacent, Ameritech grant will support 'TEAM' effort aimed at boosting number of minority teachers in schools, VanValey honored by national sociology group.

Western News, Oct. 14, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Homecoming crowds expected for 'Greatest Show', Grants hit $83 million mark at year's end, Trustees give Floyd high marks for first year's job performance as University's president, Klein lecture will focus on Yugoslav politics; views of leading Milosevic opponent, Rising NPR program costs send WMUK's fall fund-raising goal climbing to $220,000, Hustoles appointed WMU general counsel.

Strategic Teaching And Strategic Learning In First Grade Classrooms, Kathryn Kinnucan-Welsch, Dodie Magill, Marie Dean

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

In this article the authors describe Reading Express, a collaborative program which brings together the expertise of first-grade teachers and Reading Recovery teachers to support all first-grade children in literacy development. In the Reading Express program, the Reading Recovery teachers spend one hour per day in each of the first grade classrooms. This time is spent in both whole class as well as small group instruction. The results of Reading Express have been positive for both first-grade children as well as teachers. End-of-year text-level scores and other data indicate that the program is having a positive impact on students' literacy …

Applications Of Cloze Procedure To Reading Assessment In Special Circumstances Of Literacy Development, Norbert Francis

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This study forms part of an on-going investigation of second language reading development of elementary school children from a bilingual, indigenous, community where high levels of proficiency in both languages are common among all age groups. Modifications were applied to the standard rational deletion cloze procedure to adapt assessment to the special sociolinguistic circumstances of reading in an indigenous language, and for the purpose of exploring practical classroom applications of the cloze procedure for instruction.

Young Chinese Esl Children's Home Literacy Experiences, Hong Xu

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This article describes home literacy experiences of six Chinese ESL kindergartners. The experiences include the parents' provision of literate home environments as well as children's functional use of Chinese and English and engagement in Chinese and English literacy activities. The findings indicate the diverse and cultural nature of the home literacy experiences and the supportive roles of parents and other family members. Suggestions for teachers and parents to promote ESL children's literacy development are discussed.

The Western Michigan University Magazine, Fall 1999, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• University News
• Dream Weaver
• Hollywood Broncos
• Research Broker
• Fish for All
• College News
• Alumni News
• Classnotes
• Obituaries
• Athletic News
• Therapists Given Free Rein
• Solar Flair

Reading Horizons Vol. 40, No. 1

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Complete issue of Reading Horizons volume 40, issue 1.

Critical Teacher Thinking And Imaginations: Uncovering Two Vocabulary Strategies To Increase Comprehension, Elaine Roberts

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

Dedicated teachers who were taking a university course for reading assessment and diagnosis candidly discussed students' problems with vocabulary words that impede successful reading comprehension. Their viewpoints about ways to help students learn to use vocabulary strategies effectively led to the development of two vocabulary strategies that were based on cognitive and personality styles. The interactive process of developing the strategies pushed the teachers' imaginations and created a challenge for the teachers and their college professor.

Western News, Sept. 30, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Kent County work to focus on aid for grandparent-headed families, Area health care professionals can collaborate on research with faculty; grad students in new OT effort, Student patrols to help keep post-game peace in Kalamazoo neighborhoods, Jamie Jeremy elected to term as head of nationwide alumni executives organization, Ferreira to warm up audience for Leslie Nielsen's 'Clarence Darrow' Friday night, New Southwest Regional Center director takes reins on post in familiar territory, Retirement reception will fete Robert Kotecki.

Western News, Sept. 16, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Freshman enrollment soars by 18 percent to set University record, Viji Murali named vice president for information technology; effective Nov. 1, University's first black alumni gathering set for Sept.23-25; will include career expo; history symposium, CMS Energy Corp. CEO to launch series, Faculty Senate considers committee recommendations for sweeping reforms to group's structure; operations, Pritchard to head search for new provost; open public sessions on effort set for today, Presidential envoy Wolpe to visit campus Sept. 24; talk about post-Cold War Africa.

Western News, Sept. 2, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: College of Aviation forges new hiring agreement with Mesaba, American Studies Program begins fall with revamped interdisciplinary curriculum, Millennium's role in religious theory and practice is focus this fall, Ethiopian researchers spend seven weeks working with WMU economists to explore agricultural issues, Kritzman named one of nation's top 10 business women by professional organization.

The Rest Of The Story: A Reflection On Extracurriculars During Intern Teaching, Barnaby Pung

Honors Theses

I decided to title my thesis The Rest of the Story, because of the radio personality Paul Harvey. His radio show "The Rest of the Story" is a commentary that reflects on many current issues as well as past occurrences and public personalities. In one of his most famous segments he will tell a story about a person's life and not reveal who the individual is until the end This tidbit of little known information is what the rest of the story actually is. It is the inside scoop, that little extra that is often difficult to find. That is …

Western News, Aug. 12, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Environmental Institute tapped for study; cleanup of river, WMU researcher selected to evaluate Edison Project schools, New degree program to prepare students to be teachers of technical education, McKean named fellow for work in statistics.

The Effects Of Supplemental Protein On Urea Nitrogen Excretion In Women 40-70 Years Old, Tammy D. Moran

Masters Theses

The problem of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental liquid protein in women 40-70 years of age over a 4-week period. Weeks 1 and 3 served as the control period. During this time, no particular diet regime was required, but protein drinks were prohibited. The treatment condition occurred during Weeks 2 and 4. During this time, subjects consumed two protein drinks each day for a period of 7 days. Twenty-four hour urine collections occurred at the end of each week. Urine was analyzed for the presence of urea nitrogen. The dependent variables were urinary urea nitrogen, self-perceived …

Western News, July 29, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: University ready for charter school ideas that will link campus to public schools, Public sessions set for feedback on planning, Alliance aims to provide better disability services to area residents, BOT learns of more than $5 million in April and May grants, Anonymous gift establishes four need-based student scholarships, New travel instruction bachelor's degree program will be the first of its kind in nation, Veteran WMU charter school researcher picked to evaluate charters in Pennsylvania.

Western News, July 15, 1999, Western Michigan University

Western News (1972-2018)

Story highlights: Tentative faculty contract agreement set for September vote, University team explores the history and legacy of Great Lakes fishing policies, Final 1998-99 general fund operating budget gets trustees' approval at June board meeting.

The Western Michigan University Magazine, Summer 1999, Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University Magazine (1997-present)

• University News
• Battling shoreline erosion
• College News
• Alumni News
• Classnotes
• Obituaries
• Athletic News
• Pushing for peak performance
• Chasing monarch butterflies
• Building upon science
• Sailing team makes 'top 20' list