Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Math Problem Solving In The Classroom, Mary Jane Conrad

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the important aspects for teaching problem solving in mathematics. Problem solving was used to introduce the concepts as well as to practice them. This research paper discusses mathematical concepts and skills in a student-centered environment of a multi-aged first and second grade classroom in a parochial school and investigates the effects of the approach on students, teacher, and curriculum.

In many primary classrooms mathematics is taught in ways that fail to connect with young children's prior knowledge and ways of learning. The cumulative effect is such that students tend to do math procedures, rather than apply math …

Motivational Characteristics In Distance Education, Karis E. Collins

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is about motivational characteristics of the distance education learner. Provided is a brief overview of literature in the areas of distance education, the adult learner, and motivation of the adult learner in a distance education setting.

An Analysis Of Student Reaction To The Use Of Interactive Video And Hypermedia To Enhance Post-Secondary Biological Science Education, Paulette A. Church

Graduate Research Papers

The perceived effect on student learning provided by interactive technology in the biological sciences has been studied on a small, private, two-year college campus. The first portion of the study was the perceived effectiveness of interactive video when used for class presentations for biological science majors. The second portion of the study evaluated five campus-produced interactive laserdisc tutorials designed for individual and group use for students taking a general introductory biology lab course.

Personal Learning Preferences, Perceptions, And Multiple Intelligence Profiles : Affect On Educators' Attitudes About Computer Usage, Mary J. Dove

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between teachers' learning preferences, self-perceptions of multiple intelligence profiles, and attitudes toward computer usage, including the incorporation of computer technology into their classrooms. Data for this survey were obtained from a population of teaching and administrative faculty from a small, Midwest, rural public school district. Access and education that results in higher levels of experience were found to be critical variables, in agreement with professional literature to date. These factors, however, did appear to influence personal learning preferences in some instances and the multiple intelligence profiles provided valuable insight into …

Information Literacy: Its Implications For Education, Lisabeth Underhill

Graduate Research Papers

This paper explores the concept of information literacy and its implications for education. Discussion begins with a look at the shift in America's economy toward information services. The skills necessary to function productively in this Information Age are examined to demonstrate the critical nature of information literacy. In the context of information literacy, educational reform such as resource-based learning and a process approach to information skills instruction are discussed. This discussion leads to recommendations for best preparing students for the 21st century.

A Technology Survey Of Teachers In A Midwestern School District, Richard Vettraino

Graduate Research Papers

The number of computers in schools are growing daily. Today there are over 2.1 million computers in use in our nation's elementary, middle, and high schools, one computer for every thirty students (Henry, 1993). In 1988 $550 million was spent for computer hardware and $130 million for software in our nation's school systems (Schultz, Morrison, and Pruit, 1989). There is no longer a question of whether computers play an important role in our society; that is a known fact. The question now becomes how will educators react to the changing role of computers. What will they teach about technology and …

Kindergarten Writing Program, Kimberly E. Dewulf

Graduate Research Papers

In the kindergarten writing program, many experiences can help writing become an enjoyable experience for children. The learning environment can nurture pleasure in literature, an enthusiasm for reading and writing, and foster many opportunities to engage in the writing process. Some of the activities can be presented by the teacher while others can be initiated by the children.

Teachers' Attitudes Toward Computer Technology And Factors Influencing Their Attitudes And Adoption Of Computer Technology In Classroom Instruction : A Literature Review, Huiping Ding

Graduate Research Papers

With the introduction of computer literacy into curriculum, teachers' attitudes toward computer technology and computer adoption in the classroom teaching remain major concerns for educators. This paper is intended to review the literature on teachers' attitudes toward the use of computer technology as an instructional tool in classroom teaching and factors influencing their attitudes toward their use of computers. Their attitudes differ but are positive about teaching with computers if some barriers are overcome and some problems are solved, such as lack of training and accessibility.

The literature review reveals that teachers have concerns and anxieties concerning computer technology, its …

Early Interventions In Learning To Read, Kathleen Duax

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to provide an insight into the world of creating readers; people who love to read and want to read. The review presents information about early interventions by parents and teachers that can increase a child's ability to learn to read. The intent is to help parents and teachers become more aware of the dimensions of literacy, to allow them to become more informed about literacy and the importance of early interventions, and to use this information in ways that can help children become readers.

Block Scheduling : Effects On The Visual Arts At The Secondary Level, Laura J. Angove

Graduate Research Papers

As block scheduling sweeps the educational forefront in many American secondary schools, questions have been raised regarding the effect of "block" on the overall curriculum and the school's sense of community. Arts in general, and the visual arts in particular, have always been easy areas to cut in budgets due to downsizing and many art educators get fearful when they hear of a new educational trend coming to their school. How will block affect the stability and quality of visual art programs in schools once it has been implemented?

To explore this question, a survey was conducted of art educators …

Teaching Fractions Through The Multiple Intelligences, Lisa K. Freese

Graduate Research Papers

Fractions are frequently used in daily life. However, many students have difficulty learning fraction concepts. In addition, some students begin the study of fractions with negative impressions.

The writer of this article uses Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences to address the difficulties students face in learning fraction concepts. Dr. Howard Gardner, the creator of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Ml Theory), believes that it is unfair to teach all students in the same way. Students need opportunities to solve relevant problems that are meaningful to their everyday lives. Rather than concentrating on singular viewpoints and exclusive answers when studying …

Meeting The Needs Of Gifted Students Through Teacher Inservicing, Amy M. Akers

Graduate Research Papers

Inservicing classroom teachers in compacting, independent study, and mentoring may help them become more effective in meeting the instructional needs of talented and gifted students. It is easier for teachers to apply learning if it is easily applicable to their own classroom instruction, and if the learning seems manageable for the teacher. This project includes an inservice model that contains applicable teaching strategies and an inservice plan for teachers. Teaching talented and gifted students through appropriate teaching strategies and becoming aware of these students' needs in the classroom can assure that students are challenged to realize their full learning potential. …

The Benefits Of Word Processing In Process Writing, Renee Cecile Leimer Cuvelier

Graduate Research Papers

The word processor is a valuable writing tool that can have a notable impact on the writing process and on the social context for writing in today"s schools. The majority of the research on writing with a word processor has indicated the word processor does provide specific benefits for our students and may be used to develop skill in writing.

This review defines the process approach to writing, reviews the research on the benefits of using the word processor in process writing as well as the research which doesn't support its use, and discusses variables that affect the research results. …

Promoting Literacy : The Parent Link, Joby L. Mcgowan

Graduate Research Papers

This article is written for beginning teachers of the primary grades to provide tools for empowering parents as co-educators in the reading curriculum. Parents play a crucial role in the development of their child's learning. By inviting them to take joint ownership in their child's education, a teacher can build a bridge of communication that will stimulate success for both parent and child.

An overview of how to begin to build the bridge with parents and empowering those parents to become involved is presented. Then, several strategies for decoding text and boosting a child's sight word vocabulary will be discussed. …

Promoting Gender Equity In The Elementary Learning Environment, Amy Elizabeth Roberts

Graduate Research Papers

This research review discusses the importance of teaching in a gender equitable manner. It examines the negative interactions teachers have with their students, many times without being aware of it. The effects of each of these negative teacher behaviors are explained and practical strategies and interventions are suggested to reduce the negative interactions.

Many of these strategies can be teacher directed, but strategies involving students, colleagues, and parents are also presented. The interventions are beneficial not only to female students but to male students as well. The Gender Expectations and Student Achievement (GESA) teacher training program is discussed and many …

Factors That Influence Independent Reading Habits, Janice Rose Rosauer

Graduate Research Papers

As our society begins to look for ways to raise the literacy level in the United States the focus is centered on our schools and helping students become life long readers. Questions have arisen about why some students have developed an aversion to reading at early ages and why some students who have strong reading skills choose not to read on a regular basis. The purpose of this research was to explore upper elementary students' attitudes about reading and explore different factors that influence these students to develop the motivation to engage in independent reading.

Parents as well as the …

An Effective Writing Program That Meets The Needs Of Lower Elementary Students, Marita R. Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to examine current research on the writing process, to identify major elements of an effective writing program, and then implement a writing program for young children which encompasses the major elements. The elements of the writing program implemented within the classroom were: modeling (by the teacher, children and authors), daily writing, conferencing (mini-lessons), publishing, and special projects. It was found that a carefully structured writing program enhances the writing of students in the classroom. The process approach to writing values the students as well as the writing process. This approach is an ideal way …

Photographs To Enhance The Exhibits In Writing Portfolios, Carol R. Winterboer

Graduate Research Papers

Writing portfolios in a third grade classroom were used to more closely relate assessment to students' instructional needs. Photographs of students' involvement in experiences across the curriculum were offered for students to use with their writing. The photographs served to enhance the students' pieces of writing or were used in place of an artifact that was impractical to include in a portfolio. Writing samples related to two thematic units, one in science and the other in social studies, are discussed. Descriptions of the children's writing experiences, photographs that accompany student selected pieces, and students' self-reflections are presented. This portfolio experience …

A Summary Of Assessment Strategies For A Multi-Age Classroom, Tamera Frost

Graduate Research Papers

Many schools are implementing multi-age programs. This non-traditional teaching approach calls for methods of assessing students' learning that are consistent with the ways in which they are taught. The traditional methods of assessment require teachers to use the same assessment tool with every child. This is not consistent with the individualized approach to pedagogy that is fundamental in multi-age classrooms. Furthermore standardized assessment does not challenge some students, it frustrates other students, and does not provide the kinds of information needed for formative evaluation.

The author of this project has developed a summary of assessment tools to implement in eight-to …

Building And Implementing A Program Review For Gifted Education In An Urban School District, Anna Mae Bagby

Graduate Research Papers

In June of 1996, the Board of Education of the Waterloo School District, which is considered an urban school district, requested that all externally funded programs be reviewed. This included the Expanded Learning Program (ELP). The emphasis was to determine strengths and needs of ELP and the needs of gifted students in the regular classroom. A committee was formed, composed of ELP staff and parents of identified gifted students, who developed surveys which were sent to all ELP parents (K-12), all identified students, (K-12), and selected classroom teachers and specialists (K-8). Data were compiled and summarized according to (1) major …

Parent/Teacher Communication In A Middle School Setting, Christine Joan Bailey

Graduate Research Papers

This paper discusses the importance of parental involvement in a child's education. It examines the barriers that occur which prevent communication from taking place between parents and teachers. Effective communication strategies are presented to foster genuine interaction between families and schools. This paper explores the following question: How do effective middle school teachers create and maintain a positive working relationship with parents.

The purpose of this study is to: 1) research current literature to find different communication techniques being used by teachers, with an emphasis at the middle school level, and determine why parents and teachers communicate less often as …

The Use Of Multiple Intelligences In Designing Curriculum For An Early Childhood Classroom, Dawn Osterhaus

Graduate Research Papers

Early childhood curriculum implementation is not yet well represented in the literature pertaining to multiple intelligences. For purposes of this project, the literature pertaining to early childhood classrooms where the seven multiple intelligences were implemented was reviewed, and a preschool implementing the seven multiple intelligences has been written. This curriculum makes a difference in how the authors' lesson plans are designed and classroom activities are chosen. The resulting curriculum may also make a difference in how other early childhood educators set up their overall curriculum, and provides an easy-to-follow resource guide of potential use when planning individual units and activities.

Story Retelling In The Elementary Classroom, Kathy J. Struck

Graduate Research Papers

Story retelling is a natural approach to teaching language, for it centers on whole units of language. As an instructional strategy, story retelling can promote children's sense of story and oral and written language abilities. This paper describes procedures for fostering story retelling, accompanied by different means of story retelling and suggested pieces of quality literature.

Meeting The Needs Of The Learning Disabled-Gifted Child : A Problem Of Non-Identification, Jill R. Nooren

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to ascertain possible solutions to remedy the pervasive problem of the failure to identify and meet the needs of learning disabled-gifted children. Using a literature review, the writer sought to determine the characteristics of learning disabled-gifted children, perceived barriers to the identification of learning disabled-gifted children, and programming approaches that would best meet the needs of these unique learners.

Geritol For Geriatric Computers, Robbin D. Poling

Graduate Research Papers

This paper looks at the recycling of older computers in an elementary school. With the budgetary cutbacks that most school districts are facing, reusing older equipment is one way to meet student needs and still exist within a tight budget. This paper reflects research done in the areas of keyboard curriculum, which keyboard is used the most, and at what point in a student's academic life should this topic be introduced. The project describes a current development in a local school trying to pool older resources to allow for a better use of these machines.

Writing Portfolios In A First Grade Classroom, Lisa A. Friday

Graduate Research Papers

Much attention has been given to the authentic assessment of children's involvement in the writing process. Such assessment entails descriptive, or qualitative techniques. One descriptive technique is portfolios. In developing portfolios, students can become actively involved in their own learning and in establishing goals for future learning. Thus, instruction can be more closely related to assessment.

How writing portfolios were implemented in a first grade classroom is discussed. Two reluctant writers were particularly focused on as they developed their writing portfolios. These children selected exhibits for their portfolios with support from their teacher. As they developed their collections, the students …

Choosing An Effective Kindergarten Program : Comparing Full-Day And Half-Day Schedules, Lori A. Frost

Graduate Research Papers

Due to changes in American society and education during the last twenty years the popularity of all-day, everyday kindergarten programs has grown. Among the many issues cited as reasons for implementing all-day kindergarten programs are ". . . a growing need for child care, the need for more opportunity for socialization among young children, and a demand for more academically challenging programs" (Rust, 1993, p. 8).

The "whole child" approach is what we strive for today. However, that focus has been compromised in some instances by placing financial, parental, or school needs ahead of what is best for kindergarten students. …

Reading The Writing Of A Five-Year-Old Through Three Perspectives About Early Literacy, Deena M. Tauber

Graduate Research Papers

By evaluating a five-year-old's writing through three perspectives about early literacy, the researcher determined that examining and understanding one's own beliefs on how children learn to read and write offer insight on learning.

An Investigation And Analysis Of Environmental Stress Factors Experienced By K-12 Music Teachers, Debra G. Gordon

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to identify stress factors which music practitioners experience in the teaching environment. This study was unique in that it utilized both qualitative and quantitative perspectives to identify and to explicate those factors. Four case studies provided a compilation of information from teachers representative of different disciplines, school settings, gender, and experience levels. Survey research, conducted through the use of an instrument designed by M. J. Fimian (1988), "The Teacher Concerns Inventory," was distributed to 166 music educators within an Area Education Agency in a Midwestern state providing a return rate of 62%. The research …

Strategies For Sprinkling Spice On An Elementary Physical Education Program: Thematic Instruction Comes To The Gym!, Kristine Lee Whitcher

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to identify curriculum design strategies that would assist elementary physical education teachers in producing thematic units for elementary physical education classes. Strategies for integrating curriculum were identified in the literature then used to create and implement a thematic physical education project. Specific strategies were explained in detail through examples associated with the project. The strategies demonstrate that thematic instruction can successfully meet the needs of many children, invite new learning, and will assist teachers in coordinating themes with elementary physical education classes. A school-wide Olympic Fest was the culminating event of this project. There …