Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Flipping About The Sun And Its Pattern Of Apparent Motion, Crystal Betts, Allison Pattee

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

Arts integration has shown to enhance student comprehension, retention, and engagement, while connecting to rich science content. The integration of the Next Generation Science Standards and the National Arts Standards into a first grade lesson illustrated how the arts enhanced the students’ understandings of the sun’s apparent motion during the day, an idea that is difficult for many young children to grasp. In this project students explored the sun outdoors throughout the school day to document changes by tracing their shadows in chalk and by making a shadow clock. Students also applied the information they learned to the creation of …

Editorial: The Journal Of Stem Arts, Crafts, And Constructions As An Ideal Venue For Showcasing Application Of The Next Generation Science Standards, Dana L. Atwood-Blaine

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

The Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions is an ideal venue for disseminating new ideas, lessons, and research developed in response to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This editorial explains how arts integration is well-suited to addressing the Science and Engineering Practices and the Cross-cutting Concepts. The research articles in this issue provide evidence that arts integration is also effective at improving student retention of disciplinary content over time. Using specific examples from the articles in this issue, this editorial elaborates on the three-dimensional nature of NGSS and how the integration of arts, crafts, and constructions into science …

Exploring Technology Through The Integration Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy And Issues Of Social Justice, Courtney Clausen

Annual Graduate Student Symposium

As classrooms become more racially/ethnically, economically, and linguistically diverse in the United States it is important for teachers to integrate pedagogy and methodology in the classroom that challenges existing inequities in education and assist all students in being successful in the classroom. Integrating culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching into one’s teaching and learning with diverse students can assist with creating an equitable learning environment. The purpose of this poster presentation is to share the findings of an action research project exploring the integration of culturally relevant pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching in a summer enrichment program for a …

Impact Of Family Engagement On Child Outcomes In Preschool, Kathryn S. Ingham

Graduate Research Papers

This review considered the impact of family engagement on child outcomes in preschool and what variables impact the success of family engagement in preschool. Many child outcomes are affected by family engagement. This particular work focuses on child outcomes related to literacy and approaches to learning. The variables of the family engagement examined include demographics, culture, family unit, and socioeconomic status. Many forms and degrees of family engagement are described with the degree of success for family engagement determined by the actual participants. Findings of the review point towards family engagement promoting positive outcomes for children enrolled in preschool despite …

Vocabulary Development With Instructional Coaching Support, Jessica L. Swaab

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the importance of vocabulary development among kindergarten students, identify risk factors that effect vocabulary development, recognize developmentally appropriate practices, identify best practices and interventions to promote student growth, and determine if support from an instructional coach benefits the classroom teacher's pedagogy. Various research articles were collected and analyzed in order to find methods for closing the language gap as well as to change instruction that challenges students to reach their optimal vocabulary development range. Aside from socioeconomic status, there are several risk factors that affect vocabulary development, including age, cultural backgrounds, …

Play-Based Early Childhood Classrooms And The Effect On Pre-Kindergarten Social And Academic Achievement, Amy Mcginn

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effects of a play-based early childhood curriculum on the academic and social development of pre-kindergarten children. The findings in this literature review examine the relationships between free play, social skills, and academic outcomes in the early years of school. The reviewed research suggested a positive correlation between free play in early childhood and future school success in literacy and social development. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for improving teacher practices and educational policies.

Tpack Learning Activity Types For Secondary Computer Science Courses, Rebecca Carton

Graduate Research Papers

Learning activity types for secondary computer science courses support educators in integrating technology and developing their TPACK (technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge) authentically. The taxonomy of computer science activity types presented in this project report provide seven identified activity types and descriptions aligned with the Computer Science Teachers' Association (CSTA) standards and framework. Included in the taxonomy are possible technologies for each activity type. Along with the CSTA standards and framework, ten peer-reviewed studies published between 2009 and 2015 were selected for analysis in the literature review and as research backing the construction of the taxonomy. Further research and expansion …

Invented Spelling And Its Effect On Kindergarten Students' Reading And Writing Abilities, Kelli A. Daly

Graduate Research Papers

This review investigated the effects of invented spelling on kindergarten students and how it can affect their phonemic awareness, as well as how it can affect his or her reading and spelling in kindergarten. In addition, this review compared different writing instruction techniques and how they differ and impact a child's writing and spelling in kindergarten. Several articles compare the use and acceptance of invented spelling in comparison to conventional spelling. Findings from the review propose that invented spelling is a beneficial technique to helping young children learn to read and write and has a positive influence on their reading …

Taking University Business Courses Online: An Instructional Designer's Perspective, Zachary P. Benton-Slocum

Graduate Research Papers

This report details an instructional design project for the College of Business (COB) at the University of Northern Iowa, an average-sized Midwest university. During the project as an instructional designer, I converted an existing traditional face-to-face business readiness program (Business 1000, 2000, 3000, & 4000) to online/flipped/blended courses using the Blackboard Learning Management System. The process involved working with faculty, program heads, students, and the staff of the COB with the intention of lowering the technology bar of intimidation enough to integrate it with the pedagogy needs of the courses.

The Value Of Inquiry-Based Science Instruction For Elementary Students, Jessica Renae Enger

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the academic benefits of using inquiry-based science instruction in elementary classrooms. It also examined different ways teachers integrate inquiry-based instruction. Several studies identified increases in science content knowledge, concepts, and process skills as outcomes associated with inquiry-based instruction. Other studies in this review showed mixed or negative results for academic benefits of inquiry-instruction. This review also highlights hands-on investigations, discourse, and literacy as three ways teachers integrate inquiry. Findings of this review suggest inquiry-based instruction allows students to understand difficult science concepts, justify their ideas, and can create positive attitudes toward science.

Parent-Child Interaction : How It Impacts Language And Literacy Skills, Angie Thurman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to examine the importance of parent-child interaction in children ages birth through five-years old. The review focuses on how these interactions impact literacy and language skills in young children. Parent interventions and strategies to help children grow in the areas of literacy and language are also highlighted. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for parents and teachers as well as suggestions for future research.

The Effects Of Blended Learning On K-12th Grade Students, Laura Hesse

Graduate Research Papers

Blended learning is used to incorporate technology into the classroom and to aid in instruction. This literature review examines the effects of blended learning on student engagement, student achievement, and student perception in K-12th grade classrooms. Twenty-five peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2016 were selected for analysis in this review. The reviewed research indicates that student engagement, student achievement, and positive student perceptions of learning increased when blended learning was used. Students also developed additional skills through the use of blended learning, such as the ability to self-pace and self-direct. Future research into implementing blended learning in K-12 classrooms …

Vocabulary Matters : Why Vocabulary Instruction Is Important And How To Implement Quality Instruction In Preschool, Melanie Blocker

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined why vocabulary instruction is important in preschool, and ways that a teacher can implement quality vocabulary instruction into the classroom. The review describes why vocabulary instruction is crucial in preschool, and then provides five different ways that a teacher can implement vocabulary instruction into the preschool classroom. Vocabulary instruction is valuable as it builds the foundation for later reading skills, such as comprehension. The conclusion of this literature review provides recommendations on how to implement vocabulary instruction into preschools, educational policies, and teacher practices.

The Use Of Touchscreen Devices To Support Writing Development Of Preschoolers, Celeste Mortvedt

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines the use of touchscreen devices to support writing development of preschool children. Examination of the impact of touchscreen device writing on brain development of preschoolers is also included. Benefits and challenges of using touchscreen devices to support handwriting development are analyzed and reviewed along with recommendations for classroom implementation, future research, and educational policy.

Technology And Young Children, Jamie Vircks

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the purpose of technology use with young children. Examination of literature on effects of technology usage in the classroom, and ebook use to teach emergent literacy skills, was done. Insights showed that young children are learning more than just academic skills while using technology. They are learning cultural and social norms. In the classroom, children as young as three years old are being introduced to technology as a way to teach practice and reinforce new literacy skills. The review had mixed results as to whether technology use with young children to teach literacy skills is effective. Further …

Development Of A Standards-Based Classroom For High School Physics At Solon Community School District, Tim Sheeley

Graduate Research Papers

Current educational reform focuses on achievement based on standardized-testing. In addition, both national and state standards have been developed and approved. These frameworks logically demand standards-based reporting of achievement within schools. Standards-based grading systems communicate accurate student learning progress, target specific teacher feedback and allow multiple reassessments for unrestricted growth.

The problem of practice investigated in this paper is “How do teachers effectively communicate learning progress and promote continued growth in a high school physics classroom using standards-based grading?” This paper describes my personal experience developing a standards-based classroom. I share lessons learned, and the next steps I intend to …

Developing Model Identification Skills In An Advanced Placement Physics 1 Classroom, Ian Spangenberg

Graduate Research Papers

Every year, hundreds of thousands of high school students take the AP Physics 1 Exam. Passing scores can mean college credit, recognition, and scholarships. While typical physics courses teach the content and solution procedures in discrete units such as dynamics, energy, and momentum, the AP Physics 1 Exam requires students to solve problems without problem-type headings or unit captions. Students must also be able to support ideas and answers using overarching theories, laws, and principles. This research looks at a curricular and pedagogical strategy designed to teach AP Physics 1 students how those discrete units fit together into a complete …

Visual Phonics : Its Impact As An Instructional Tool To Promote Literacy Development In Kindergarten Students, Lori J. Bower

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature examined the impact of See The Sound/Visual Phonics (STSNP), a supplemental instructional strategy, on kindergarten students, especially those at risk for future reading challenges. STSNP is an instructional strategy originally designed for use with children who are deaf/hard of hearing, that utilizes the multi-sensory tool of gesture to focus on the development of phonemic awareness skills. Research reviewed for this study first examined the importance of phonemic awareness in overall literacy development. Additional studies reviewed establish support for the use of multi-sensory instructional approaches, including the specific use of gesture to help efficiently encode information. This …

Benefits Of Movement For Academic Achievement And Classroom Behaviors, Alison A. Waltz

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to discuss the benefits of using movement throughout the daily routine of an early childhood classroom. The research focused on using movement to increase literacy and mathematics knowledge, teach self-regulation skills and increase attention. and have different seating options that would allow for consistent movement. Findings of this review show that movement does have academic and behavioral benefits in the early childhood classroom. Limitations are recognized for the research presented and recommendations are given for ways to incorporate movement into the classroom. To conclude this review of literature. educational policies and future research are …

The Effects Of Using Digital Tools To Support Writing In The Ell Classroom, Katrina Lint

Graduate Research Papers

Incorporating digital tools to support English writing instruction is a growing area of interest as technology advances and students become more submersed in it. This review addresses how social networks, specifically Facebook and Wiki, can be used to support writing to increase students’ writing skills as well as students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using these tools for writing. Peer-reviewed research studies published between 2008-2016 were selected for analysis. Results of these studies suggest that students have positive perceptions and attitudes towards using Facebook and Wiki for collaborative writing and results demonstrate these tools help improve students’ English as a second …

Fluency And Instruction In The Elementary Grades, Stacey Bakken

Graduate Research Papers

Elementary teachers are being challenged to increase student's oral reading fluency. This can be attributed to today's high demands and focus on students fluency scores from required assessments, focusing mostly on correct words per minute. This project examines the history of reading instruction along with the five essential components highlighted by the National Reading Panel (2000), specifically, fluency. This project defines reading fluency and assessments used, as well as describing best practices in supporting and developing reading fluency in the elementary classroom.

Infant And Toddler Care, Maggie Trecker

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of recent research is to identify the quality of care that infants and toddlers are receiving in both home-based and center-based care settings. The review will also identify how infant and toddler caregivers perceive their work, and ways that professional development opportunities can positively impact the quality of care for infant and toddlers. The conclusion of this literature review includes recommendations for future action and education policies based on the research reviewed.

Prep-Kindergarten Teachers' Beliefs : Basic Skills Versus Child-Centered Orientation, Katie Stundahl

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a partial replication of the Stipek and Byler (1997) study, "Early childhood education teachers: Do they practice what they preach?" The study focuses on teachers' beliefs, goals, standardized testing, and parental pressures of early childhood education. Results of this study revealed prep-kindergarten teachers from the state of Iowa believe social skills are the most important goal of their programs. This confirms the literature review of what is developmentally appropriate for early childhood classrooms. Nearly all teachers in this study reported that they believed their programs to be appropriate for young children and that parental pressure regarding …

"Slavery Wasn't That Bad": An Examination Of The Effects Of Reduced Social Studies Class Time And Student Misconceptions, Matthew Karl Mengler

Honors Program Theses

There are four core subjects taught in American public schools today: math, English language arts, science, and social studies. For years, the social studies have been receiving less instructional time when compared to “more important” subjects such as reading, language arts, and math. This has especially been the case since the legislation of No Child Left Behind which placed English language arts and math as the two main pillars of a child’s education. The goal of this study was to figure out how teachers are adapting to this lack of social studies instruction time and to see if there have …

For Two Or Two Hundred: A Workbook For Making A Difference, C. A. Brimmer

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Designed for young people who want to develop a sense of active citizenship through social justice and community organizing; this workbook is founded on four main components: autoethnography/personal narrative, research based in critical pedagogy, social justice methodologies and literature. Activist profiles and exercises introduce the reader to a leadership style based in critical consciousness. The reader is part of the text as they complete exercises and fill in their own blanks, contributing ideas and carrying out practices related to various aspects of community organizing. This work book is designed for beginning activists who are new to concepts such as social …

The Development And Support Of Geometric And Spatial Concepts In Preschool- And Kindergarten-Aged Children, Laura J. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to discuss the development of geometric and spatial concepts in preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. This development can be seen through the children's mental and manual rotation, as well as children's experiences with spatial reasoning. The factors that influence these concepts, such as spatial talk and spatial play are also examined. This review identifies ways that teachers can support the development of geometric and spatial concepts in the classroom, such as exposure to materials, pedagogy, interventions, and their own professional development. The conclusion of this literature review synthesizes the evidence, discusses recommendations, and provides …

Art-Integration Through Making Dioramas Of Women Mathematicians’ Lives Enhances Creativity And Motivation, Audrey C. Rule, Dana L. Atwood-Blaine, Clayton M. Edwards, Mindy M. Gordon

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

Creativity is essential for solving problems in the workplace, natural environment, and everyday life, necessitating that creativity be nurtured in schools. Identification of factors that intrinsically motivate students to learn difficult or initially unappealing content is also important. This project, in which 24 racially diverse fifth grade girls created dioramas of the lives of diverse successful women mathematicians, explored the girls’ reactions to art integration into mathematics through a phenomenological qualitative analysis of their products, essays, and responses to questionnaires. The project supported the Next Generation Science Standard for engineering design, Standard 3-5-ETS1-1 and two National Core Arts Standards for …

Three- And Four-Year Olds Learn About Gears Through Arts Incorporation, Dessy Stoycheva, Leann M. Perkins

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This research paper explores art integration into a science lesson unit that follows the Next Generation Science Standards (K-PS2-1) and focuses on the effects on memory retention of key concepts along with levels of enjoyment. An experiment was conducted with children ages 3 and 4 teaching scientific concepts about gears while incorporating student-made art products. The children were assigned to alternating experimental (art-integrated) or control (no art) conditions during the four stages of the lesson. The results did not show statistically significant differences at the alpha = 0.05 level between conditions in the amount of information retained based on the …

Fourth Graders Make Inventions Using Scamper And Animal Adaptation Ideas, Mahjabeen Hussain, Anastasia Carignan

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This study explores to what extent the SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Rearrange) technique combined with animal adaptation ideas learned through form and function analogy activities can help fourth graders generate creative ideas while augmenting their inventiveness. The sample consisted of 24 fourth grade students (14 female, 10 male) ages 9-10 at a suburban Midwestern elementary school. A repeated-measures design involving all participants alternately in the two conditions measured students under each treatment condition. In the experimental condition, students used SCAMPER charts with animal adaptation ideas to generate ideas to improve a product using …

Second-Graders Beautify For Butterflies, Andrea E. Anderson, Jessica A. Meier

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This practical article presents activities that support previous research suggesting the integration of art with science is beneficial to the learning and cooperative processes of children. The project showcased here highlights the ability of elementary school children to collaborate with their peers for problem solving and critical thinking through the artistic use of observation and sketching. This article discusses effective lesson activities in which students combined art and science by creating and cultivating a butterfly garden on the school’s property.