Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Homework : Providing Quality Activities That Engage The Students And Extend The Learning From The Classroom, Angella M. Blatz

Graduate Research Papers

Many teachers require homework to be done to extend the learning from school to home. Homework expectations vary from elementary school to high school. This review attempts to look at the benefits of homework and also the issues that assigning homework brings. The review includes samples of variety of homework activities that are student-centered, developmentally appropriate, along with authentic, experiential, and challenging. It discusses ways to motivate students to complete homework and the need for teachers to assign more purposeful and creative activities. This review attempts to involve the parents also as partners in the education of their child as …

Cylinders And Spheres : Toddlers Engage In Problem Solving, Rosemary Geiken

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Every day more six million infants and toddlers (children under 3 years of age) enter some kind of out-of-home care, with 22% of this group attending center-based programs. Studies on the quality of care in centers indicate that 40% of these children are in poor quality settings while 51 % are in mediocre to medium quality settings. Two factors contributing to these low ratings are lack of age-appropriate materials and lack of learning opportunities. To address these data Piaget's theory of constructivism guided the design of a study to provide evidence of construction of knowledge that occurred when toddlers were …

An Analysis Of The Dynamic Indicators Of Basic Early Literacy Skills (Dibels) Assessment, Lisa Doering

Graduate Research Papers

The inception of the No Child Left Behind Act as well as the report published by the National Reading Panel have caused a sense of urgency in early intervention for students with high literacy needs. Therefore, students are being required more frequently to take high stakes assessments at a younger and younger age. Many schools use the DIBELS assessment, but there are also many other assessments available. This paper presents research as to the validity of the DIBELS assessment as well as describes several other available literacy assessments to use either in conjunction with or in isolation from DIBELS. This …

Misconceptions In Middle School Life Science And Strategies Teachers Can Use To Change Them, Jody L. Fairbanks

Graduate Research Papers

Misconceptions and alternative conceptions refer to students' "conceptions that are different from those held by the scientific community" (Sungur, Tekkaya, & Geban, 2001, p. 91). All students have misconceptions due to prior experiences they have had. Students' alternative conceptions are problems for educators because they can block new learning (Sewell, 2002). Therefore, teachers play a crucial role in helping students construct new knowledge upon whatever foundation that already exists. This review of literature examines the findings of research regarding misconceptions, common misconceptions that students have in life science, and how teachers can teach difficult concepts so students are more likely …

Exploring Literacy Across The Curriculum: Writing In The Mathematics Classroom, Sarah E. Heddinger

Honors Program Theses

The purpose of my Honors thesis is to find evidence that writing in mathematics benefits both students and teachers. To research this claim, I viewed how writing takes place in mathematics within a specific elementary classroom. I hoped to view mathematics lessons in which literacy, specifically writing, was involved as an integral part of every lesson.

Kindergartners Can Read And Understand : Emergent Reading Strategies At Work, Kacey Lynn Beyer

Graduate Research Papers

The need for kindergarten educators to be effective in teaching both word solving and comprehension strategies is paramount. Educators are challenged to teach even the most emergent readers to use strategies to help them read and understand what they have read. The explicit teaching of both word solving and comprehension strategies in kindergarten builds a strong foundation for literacy learning throughout a student's school career and beyond. Fostering a love of literature and an attitude of lifelong literacy learning can be achieved for all students with the proper supports in place. This paper defines each word solving and comprehension strategy …

The Effects Of Parental Alcoholism On Child Development, Randi Burns

Graduate Research Papers

Alcohol has many functions for different people, for some it is an agent of socialization, while for others it is the cause of destruction in their lives. Many familes are affected by alcohol abuse and many children are exposed to its devastating effects. Children of alcoholics make up a large number of the population, and are at risk for several developmental problems throughout their lives. Several studies have been conducted on the negative effects an alcoholic parent has on their children. Many of these studies share the harmful side effects which plague children of alcoholics, including anxiety, depression, and the …

Service Learning : A Vehicle To Reflective Thinking, Janelle Lynn Hawk

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Education reform is a topic that has been around for a long time. With the passage of No Child Left Behind in 2002, states set out to set high standards for students. While setting high standards is a worthwhile goal, the method to reach those high standards has not been mandated. This research study sought to determine if exposing students to a service-learning project would increase reflective thinking, communication, and social interaction skills.

The questions that guided this study were:

1. Does engagement in a service-learning project impact the individual's development of reflective thinking? If so, what is that impact? …

Design Practices Business Organizations Employ To Deliver Virtual Classroom Training, Rebecca L. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to investigate what instructional design practices organizations employ to deliver virtual classroom training to their workforces. The review examines why companies are implementing virtual classrooms, positive and negative elements of implementing, instructional design strategies companies use to deliver effective virtual training and how learners perceive virtual classroom training compared to traditional face-to-face settings. Best practice with research shows that the most critical factors in successful virtual classroom training are engaging learners, using the software technology effectively, applying instruction design practices and accurately evaluating learner perception. By understanding the best practices, instructional designers can …

Welcome To The Iowa Early Learning Standards : A Professional Development Opportunity, Tammy R. Bormann

Graduate Research Papers

In 2006, early learning standards were written in Iowa for children from birth to five years of age; however, very few opportunities were designed to inform early childhood personnel of the existence of lowa's early learning standards, and how they were reflected in early childhood programming. In 2008, a grant from the Iowa Department of Management was awarded to Tammy Bormann of Early Learning and Caring Resources to write a training series for early childhood personnel based on the Iowa Early Learning Standards; Welcome to the Iowa Early Learning Standards. In 2010, Tammy worked with Child Care Resource and …

Essential Assessment For Quality Online Learning In Higher Education, Shu-Hsiang Chen

Graduate Research Papers

Linking assessment with learning objectives and outcomes has become significantly important in assessing adult learners in higher education. To better understand how adults learn and their expectations for learning, this paper provides a literature review that examines adult learning theory, learner characteristics, and motivation factors that shape our understanding. Additionally, this paper provides an in-depth review on the definition of assessment, types of assessment, formative versus summative assessment, alternative assessment, self-assessment, and the most appropriate and essential implementing principles and strategies in an online learning environment. The resources were retrieved using the University of Northern Iowa Library's online cataloging system …

Facilitating Maximum Benefit For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Distance Education, Rodd Grady

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional distance education environments are not conducive to learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The purpose of this literature review is to address how learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can better succeed in distance education learning environments. The review defines distance education, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and briefly explains some of the details of each. It then reviews strategies for helping students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Considerations for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in distance education are addressed. It discusses media, interaction, engagement of learners, feedback, motivation, and support systems as possible ways to help learners with …

Developing Personal Learning Networks Through Social Media As An Effective Learning Strategy Across Generational Demographics, John A. Engelhart

Graduate Research Papers

The changing world of technology and the increasing use of social media for learning are present among a multitude of identified generations. Adult learning and the approach to which learning is facilitated has changed greatly in recent years due to emerging technologies. This literature review presents evidence of each generation's learning style. The integration of social media into learning environments supports Personal Learning Networks for any age demographic. This review of literature is based on published literature including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, and reputable websites. The reviewer found social media is not used equally among generational demographics. Social media's impact …

What Is Really Happening When I Teach? : A Self-Study In A Secondary English Classroom, Margaret Christensen Mnayer

Graduate Research Papers

As an educator in an urban school, determined to provide my students with the most effective teaching, I engaged in a self-study to examine my practices and evaluate effectiveness based on current research. I used Schulte's (2002) framework to build my self-study. Her indicators of a quality self-study are: 1) thorough descriptions of the context, data collection, and analysis, 2) thoughtful problemization of researcher and her practice, 3) indications for how study changed researcher's practice, and, 4) a description of how the new insights gained might contribute to knowledge base for other teachers.

Constructivism And Distance Education : Meeting The Needs Of Adult Learners In Distance Education, Kimberly D. Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

This review addresses literature regarding how the implementation of constructivist principles in designing online learning environments can meet adults' needs. This literature review identifies the specific characteristics and concerns associated with distance learning environments. It also explores the usefulness of using constructivism as a means to meet the unique needs of adult learners in distance learning courses. Resources consist primarily of books and articles published from 1995 to the present, dealing with issues of constructivism, andragogy, and distance education.

The topics covered include constructivism, adult learners, and constructivist-based strategies integration with particular attention being paid to the problem-based learning model, …

Using Mobile Devices In Education, Jennifer N. Nitchals

Graduate Research Papers

With the changes in technology over the last few years, it is important to consider mobile devices because they offer a variety of applications to enhance what is already being taught in the classroom. The review discusses how today's mobile devices have many capabilities that are pertinent to education and the enhancements to current curriculum. The review also covers the challenges that need to be addressed in order for the mobile devices to be an asset to the classroom. The resources used for the discussion include journal articles, books and literature reviews. The review will give an insight to how …

Electronic Portfolios : Tools For Authenic Formative Assessment, Melissa Yocum

Graduate Research Papers

The culture of students is ever changing. Teachers are struggling to find ways to meet the needs of different learning styles and levels. Assessment for learning is the current buzz statement in education. This review examines using electronic portfolios as tools for assessing learning. This paper examines how electronic portfolios can be used as an assessment for learning tool that engages students in their own learning. The review found that electronic portfolios can be used as an assessment-for-learning tool, but more evidence is needed to determine whether it should be the sole means of learning assessment.

Cyber-Communication : Can Virtual Server Technologies Serve As Effective Media Delivery Tools For Human Performance Enhancement?, James E. Dorris

Graduate Research Papers

This project involved exploring whether or not virtual server technologies are viable and effective tools for human performance enhancement. The goal of this project was to conduct a comparative analysis of three specific virtual servers (i.e., YouTube, TeacherTube, and iTunesU) to determine whether or not either of these would serve as effective assets for improving the media development and delivery capabilities of the staff and faculty members at Hawkeye Community College. Four collaborative multimedia development projects were produced, monitored and evaluated to determine the levels of consistency, reliability, and user-friendliness in departmental media delivery processes. The research team of Hawkeye's …

Interaction And Social Learning : Keys In Distance Education, Delmar Hafermann

Graduate Research Papers

While distance learning is now becoming a norm, instructional designers and distance educators alike need to relook at how instruction is occurring in the online environment to ensure interaction is present. This literature review shows how distance learning has evolved through the use of an ever-changing facilitator, namely technology. The review explores interaction and the role it plays in the learning process. Social learning stresses that learners need to interact in order to build their knowledge and since technology-enhanced worlds hinder face-to-face interaction, distance educators and designers can address these shortcomings by designing interactive and collaborative environments. In conclusion, taking …

Designing Effective Multi-User Learning Environments To Enhance Game-Based Learning, Brian C. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examines the properties of specific video games, classified as multi-user learning environments, for commonalties and compares these pieces of software with sound learning theories to determine effective methods of using these types of software for educational applications. This category of software, though not initially developed as an educational learning environment or tool, has gained interest due to the social and entertainment value inherit with this type of game play. This paper reviews relevant published research material that examines the characteristics of both games created for entertainment value and games created for educational purposes to provide insights on …

Virtual Field Trips, Jill R. Stannard

Graduate Research Papers

This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual field trips and the lack of hands-on experience vs. traveling virtually through the World Wide Web. This study concentrates on the use of virtual field trips for students inside the classroom. Several descriptions of advantages and disadvantages are reflected in this review to provide a credible implementation in exploring the world. This can be done without even going outside or spending a lot of money, through virtual field trips which can be materialized inside the classroom without going farther from the school. This paper defines the qualities of an effective …

Primary Source Use In High School History Classrooms: Categories, Frequency, And Assessment, Michaela Goblirsch

Honors Program Theses

Throughout this thesis project, I will research the many various forms of primary sources as well as a variety of assessment styles. By reviewing literature and analyzing results from a survey of high school history teachers, I will discover the manner and scope in which primary sources are used in history classes. Also, I hope to determine which primary sources students respond best to, taking into account their age and gender. Teachers will be able to use this information to construct more engaging and challenging lesson plans featuring primary sources. Knowing which types of primary sources are most effective for …

A Review Of Instructional Strategies For Assisting Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In The Preschool Classroom, Michelle Miller

Graduate Research Papers

There are many people in today's society who are diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). More and more children in today's schools are exhibiting the characteristics that coincide with ADHD and the children exhibiting such behaviors appear to be getting younger and younger. The author of this review studied current scales and measurements that are being used to effectively diagnose young children with ADHD. The author described common characteristics found in preschoolers diagnosed with ADHD, as well as teaching strategies that are currently used for assisting these children in preschool classrooms.

The Role Of The Teacher Librarian Engaged In Collaboration With A Classroom Teacher During Implementation Of A Pilot Iowa Core Curriculum Unit, Mary Beth Janssen

Graduate Research Papers

This action research study was a mixed methods investigation of a previously taught Native American unit modified to include Iowa Core Curriculum (ICC) content and 21^st Century Learning standards, planned and implemented via a collaborative effort between a rural school district K-12 teacher librarian (TL) and a 5^th grade classroom social studies teacher. The two research questions being investigated asked what TL-led collaborative looks like during implementation of an ICC unit and who benefits from an ICC unit led by a TL in collaborative with a classroom teacher written interview, field notes of the TL and classroom teacher, …

Designing And Developing Online Instruction For The Adult Learner : Learning Theories, Motivational Models, And E-Tivities, Krystal Grady

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to describe how instructors can build interactive online courses that will enhance student learning, enjoyment, motivation, and success in an online distance education course. It is intended to be a resource for instructors to use when planning and preparing to teach an online course. This literature review should help instructors understand who adult learners are and what motivates them to succeed; why using an instructional design model will help save time, money, and increase the success of the course; and how to use the technology available in the online environment to build online …

A Mixed-Methods Research Study Comparing Observations During Integrated Curriculum Lessons With Traditional Single-Subject Lessons For Primary-Age Students, Ksenia Sergeevna Zhbanova

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined teacher talk and actions under two conditions: ( 1) subject-integrated lessons of an integrated curriculum unit on African culture ( experimental condition); and (2) single subject-focused lessons of a traditional separate subject curriculum on mathematics time and money measurement (control condition). The study sought to define and compare characteristics of both curriculum approaches. Although the study was primarily qualitative with observations being recorded by the researcher that were subsequently sorted into categories through a constant comparison method, counts of frequency of observations in categories were recorded, resulting in a mixed-methods design.

The observations were collected in two …

Instructional Strategies Within Single-Gender Learning Environments, Rachelle Sarrah Grandon

Graduate Research Papers

Various instructional strategies can be beneficial in both gender-specific classrooms, as well as co-educational environments. When developing age-appropriate, individualized instruction, it is crucial to consider gender-specific needs that may assist according to certain learning styles. In order to better relate to students of each gender, these practices must be given thoughtful consideration. There are many methods, found in both types of classroom settings have been explored based on practical, research-based experiences from the real-world setting.

Interactive Writing In A Kindergarten Classroom, Amy Henze

Graduate Research Papers

This research study focused on the use of interactive writing as the primary method of writing instruction in a kindergarten classroom. The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which and in what ways interactive writing supports the needs of all students at various emergent writing stages. The study also examined students' writing samples to see if there was carryover of skills from the interactive writing lessons to the students' independent writing. Results indicate a variety of skills were taught during the interactive writing lessons, and all of the students showed growth in the use of …

Second Language Development And Guided Reading, Emilia Alejo Hummel

Graduate Research Papers

Elementary teachers are being challenged to teach literacy to second language learners. In order to best serve ELL's, teachers must understand how these students acquire English and how to meet their varying literacy needs in the classroom. This project describes best practices in teaching guided reading to ELL's. The study will describe the implementation of the ELL guided reading program and how instruction was informed by knowledge of language learning.

Using Sign Language With Hearing Preschool Children, Jamie E. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The purposed of this review is to examine the effects of using American Sign Language (ASL) with hearing preschool children without disabilities. The research examined the effects on cognitive skills, fine motor skills, IQ, student behavior, and memory when American Sign Language is implemented into a preschool classroom. A variety of sources were examined and synthesized to provide the reader with informational data and recommendations.