Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Combining Science And Reading Materials To Teach Comprehension Strategies, Melena Haskovec

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a curriculum development project in which science and reading were combined to teach reading comprehension strategies to kindergarten and first grade children. Nonfiction science texts were purchased. The teachers collaboratively created and implemented lesson plans for three science units and one social studies unit. The combined classes met once every six days from January to May.

The children were paired across grade levels to read the texts, participate in the strategy instruction and complete the guided practice activities. Pre and post project measures of first graders' growth in reading comprehension showed that all the first grade students …

Literature Response Journals : Successful Implementation In A Balanced Literacy Program, Michelle Heiserman

Graduate Research Papers

When balancing their literacy program, classroom teachers take into consideration many components of reading. They know that they must look at each student to see where his or her strengths and weaknesses are. They then plan instruction based on this assessment. One way is to teach how to respond to literature, which is a valuable way to reflect and clarify while reading. It allows the students to work at their own level and become engaged in literature. The literature response journal can be used in conjunction with any literacy program. It provides a way for the teacher and student to …

Constructivism In Online Learning : A Literature Review, Zishan Hong

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to look at the interaction of constructivist-based approaches, adult learning characteristics and six online learning issues. Constructivist learning environments allow learners to build their own meaning and understanding from learning resources and circumstances. Constructivists claim that learners accumulate new knowledge by themselves and use this to pile up previous knowledge and experiences. The learner is the learning focus, and the instructors act as facilitators or guides, which provide appropriate and enriching supplies. This theory supports well the adult style of learning. Based on constructivism, the online instructor is a facilitator to monitor and provide …

Morning Message : Bringing Interactive Writing To Life In A Kindergarten Classroom, Kay M. Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of one way of implementing interactive writing into a kindergarten classroom, which is through the use of morning message. Interactive writing means different things to different people and my interpretation will be discussed throughout the article. I will share where I have been as a teacher of young children as well as some of the things I have learned along this invigorating journey.

Active Learning Techniques To Teach Spanish Vocabulary, Sara E. Janssen

Graduate Research Papers

The journal article, "Pictures, John Travolta moves, and Sign Language: Active Learning Techniques to Teach Spanish Vocabulary," discusses the experiences 8th grade Spanish students had while using three instructional practices for learning vocabulary. Active learning strategies are a popular method for educators, especially those at the middle level. Educators can get their students active in learning by doing many different things. Pictures, "silly signs," and sign language were used to engage my students in learning fourteen Spanish vocabulary words.

Three groups of Spanish exploratory classes were the subjects in this study. Each of the three groups received instruction using one …

Training : What Is Training, Identifying The Need For Training, Methods Of Training, And How Can Trainings Effectiveness Be Evaluated?, Michael Johnson Jr.

Graduate Research Papers

This review involves aspects and elements of preparing effective training programs. In this review the researcher addresses the design and development stages of training programs. This review will provide valuable information for practitioners in the field of training and staff development. Definitions, needs assessment methods, evaluating effectiveness, methods of conducting evaluations, and building a rational for training programs are the areas covered by this review.

This review is written in the perspective for novice trainers and staff developers. The information provided can assist novice trainers build a knowledge base to enhance their ability to provide effective training. This review is …

Best Practices In Reading Instruction, Becky Jean Jones

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature pertaining to the best practices in reading instruction. There are many methods and approaches to the teaching of reading not only in the curriculum, but in the instructional procedures as well. This paper studies the changes that have occurred in reading curricula, as well as in the methods of instruction. Thirdly, this paper provides the reader with statistics that provide a factual basis for the support of the many instructional approaches. Finally, this paper will give the reader a conclusion that provides recommendations as to how to teach reading using the best practices …

Integrating Technology Into The Classroom Through Online Projects : A Fairy Tale Unit, Luann K. Langel

Graduate Research Papers

The integration of technology and the Internet have brought new opportunities to today's educators. When technology is utilized correctly, effective teaching in the classroom is promoted. The project focuses on online projects than can be incorporated into the elementary classroom. The project designed and utilized is a telecollaborative project focusing on the genre of fairy tales being taught in the 3rd grade. The Internet can be utilized in the classroom for interpersonal exchanges, information collection, and problem solving. A wealth of information is available to students on the Internet. Students gain control of their learning as they begin to navigate …

Effective Models As Instructional Designs To Build Student Motivation In Learning, Karla S. Lammers

Graduate Research Papers

Effective Models As Instructional Designs to Build Student Motivation in Learning: A Review of Literature examines some of the research and academic literature related to successful designs/models that educators can use to build motivation in learners. Views of different motivations, extrinsic and intrinsic, as a learner are also discussed. Examples of designs/models are examined that integrate technology. The author concludes by presenting a technology-assisted, literature-based curriculum product that integrates these models to enhance learners' motivation.

How To Teach The Eight Multiple Intelligences Developed By Howard Gardner In An Elementary Classroom, Sarah Lyle

Graduate Research Papers

This project consists of research that supports Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory. Definitions for each type of intelligence and specific examples of people who might exhibit each type of intelligence are included in the introduction. Several strategies for teachers to use on a daily basis as well as a curriculum development for early elementary aged students are included in this project.

Increasing Transfer Of Training From Learning To Human Performance In The Corporate Management Work Environment, Patrick G. Mcbride

Graduate Research Papers

For corporate organizations to remain competitive in the global marketplace and to develop a highly skilled workforce, improving transfer of training must become corporate organizations' top priority. This literature review will attempt to answer the questions, "How does the transfer of training relate to human performance? Who are the major stakeholders, and what are their roles are in ensuring the transfer of training? What are the barriers? And how is human performance in the corporate work environment being measured?"

Laptop Computers In The K-12 Setting : The Effect On Instructional Strategies And Student Learning, Sarah Merriam

Graduate Research Papers

Research has shown the benefits of computers. But mobile computing by the use of laptop computers has only recently been studied in K-12 classrooms. This review paper discusses various research studies that focus on how laptop computers affect student learning, how laptops affect instruction, teachers' perceptions about using laptop computers, and specific school districts that have implemented laptop computers into their curriculum. Overall, the research shows that laptops are more convenient and meet educational objectives once teachers and students adapt to the new technological way of learning.

Writing In A Second Grade Math Class, Tammy Bakken

Graduate Research Papers

Writing in math has given me a much better benchmark-driven curriculum. I know more clearly how to help students accomplish math benchmarks. I used to have a separate time for the students in my classroom to write and a separate time for my students to do math. Nearly two years ago, I had the idea of writing in math. I read what other teachers had tried and I tried to include more writing in math. The results have confirmed my belief that writing in math is a worthwhile practice. Writing in math gave my students a greater understanding of math. …

The Role Educational Technology Plays In Student Achievement And Teacher Preparation, Overton Howard Bean

Graduate Research Papers

The role of technology in the classroom, as a tool for improving student achievement, has received much attention in education today. Teacher preparation programs are making efforts to produce computer literate and competent users of educational technology. This author focuses on the role of educational technology, including the Internet. Consideration is also given to changes in teacher preparation that integrate new technologies into methods courses, as areas that could potentially lead to improved achievement levels for all students.

Designing Online Courses : Reflections From The Cyber Trenches, Cherie Post Dargan

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews research on the use of instructional design in developing course websites; it then describes the writer's experience creating a supplemental website using Blackboard, contrasting the project with the previous experience of creating an online course using WebCT. The writer analyzes problems with early online courses, reflects on the challenges of becoming an online teacher, documents her methodology, shares the results of the project, and makes recommendations for the design of effective web-based courses. Online teachers incorporate instructional design in many ways: they rethink their courses, analyze learners and content, design on paper first, structure the physical layout …

The Fundamentals Of A School Web Site, Jabari Cain

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature is geared towards the creator and viewer of a school web site. Many developers may or may not have the proper training, equipment or time to create a school web site. Presently, schools are creating web sites that may lack some of the key components addressed in this article. The focus of this review is based on Lamb's six phases of designing an effective school web page. The six phases in creating an educational web site include exploration, planning, designing, creating, revising, and maintaining. The primary functions of a school web site must not be overlooked. …

The Use Of Electronic Portfolios For Preservice Teachers, Kimberly Gobble-Sengstock

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will discuss the results found in support of this CD-ROM project: The Use of Electronic Portfolios for Preservice Teachers, through the infusion of standards in the teaching and learning process and the competent use of technology as a tool for reflective practice, assessment and hiring purposes. This project provides best practices in portfolio development, tutorial guides, and student examples in developing their own electronic portfolios.

Year One In The Writing Workshop : A Step In The Right Direction, Michelle L. Grimm

Graduate Research Papers

This article will discuss some of the questions I faced in the implementation of the elements of writers' workshop in my classroom. I focused on seven of the traditional workshop elements: time, ownership, modeling, conferences, mini-lessons, response, and sharing or publishing. These common elements can be implemented into the classroom in a variety of ways, and I will briefly define them.

The Digital Media Lab At Bainbridge College, Neil L. Griffin

Graduate Research Papers

This project describes the development of an audio and video production facility at Bainbridge College, a small community college in Bainbridge, Georgia. The Digital Media Lab provides faculty, staff, and students with the ability to create audio and video resources for classroom use, research, training, and outreach.

The principal steps of this project were a literature review, a needs analysis, the equipment selection process, and implementation. The literature review included examples of how video is used in higher education, information about current trends in technology, and faculty development strategies. The needs analysis determined that the facility should support both analog …

A Comparative Analysis Of Early Childhood Education In Kenya And The United States Of America : Kenya's Social And Economic Constraints, Peter Kibet Koech

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined Early Childhood Education in Kenya and the United States of America. The development of Early Childhood Education in Kenya was discussed through detailed analysis of social and economic constraints. Conclusions were drawn from the available literature; also, suggestions and relevant recommendations were made to help improve Early Childhood Education in Kenya.

The Introduction Of Interactive Multimedia Dvd To The Electronic Media Studies, Randal L. Lau

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to show how technology is able to improve student achievement and increase student productivity. Finding new and exciting ways to integrate technology into today's classrooms is a challenge. The use of an interactive DVD will be introduced to the students in the Electronic Media Studies classes in the fall of 2003. The project was based upon the research reviewed and documented within this literature review. Students will no longer be listening to the instructor lecturing in front of the classroom, they will be actively involved in an interactive multimedia presentation, where they are free …

Differentiated Instruction : Does It Work?, Michelle Maher

Graduate Research Papers

The fact that every child is unique poses a dilemma for educators. The model for differentiated instruction requires teachers to be flexible in their approach to adjusting the curriculum and presentation of information to learners. Noting that there is no recipe for differentiation, this paper discusses the broad principles and characteristics that are useful in establishing a differentiated classroom. Studies explore the impact differentiated instruction has on students, and research highlights what must be done to transition beliefs about differentiated instruction into action. The outcome of this review indicates mixed results regarding differentiated instruction and implementation. Further research is suggested …

The Benefits And Liabilities Of Ability Grouping In Elementary School Classrooms, Jill Miller

Graduate Research Papers

Ability grouping, the practice of homogeneously grouping students for instruction, is topic of much debate in education. The purpose of this paper is to identify advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping for students as well as for teachers in the elementary school setting through research of literature available. Further, implications of ability grouping as a method of instruction are discussed.

Universal Design For Learning, Cindy Mudroch

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review identifies the Universal Design for Learning or UDL method, which consists of educators representing information in multiple formats while providing numerous pathways for students' expression and several ways to engage students' interest and motivation. UDL is one way to address the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) act with a solution that will not only benefit the special needs children, but all children.

With UDL, student curriculum focuses on every child during the design phase. Graphic organizers are a part of every textbook and aide to understand the main topics. Assistive technology devices are available to all children, …

Using Wordless Picture Books To Stimulate Fictional Writing In First-Grade Students, Kathryn Nicol Morris

Graduate Research Papers

The use of wordless picture books was a successful strategy as an adult intervention for helping students at different levels in their writing ability to produce a story that followed a logical progression of events; that had a clear beginning, middle and end; and that described a character's experiences to a point of conclusion. This was accomplished with varying degrees of teacher assistance required. The stories from these students showed some similarities, but each student brought some unique element to the writing. The stories were distinguishable, even though the text in each story was inspired by the same set of …

Using Computer-Based Instruction To Strengthen Student Achievement In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom, Anne Nedved

Graduate Research Papers

According to the National Research Council (2001), students in mathematics should be able to understand mathematics, compute fluently, apply concepts in a problem-solving manner, reason logically, and engage with mathematics in a sensible, doable, and useful manner.

The goal of this project is to develop a curriculum guide for the implementation of the Computer Assisted Instruction program PLATO into the current curriculum of the Council Bluffs Community School District. Students are more immersed in technology than ever before and teachers need to embrace the challenge to create an environment with ample technological materials to actively involve and retain student's interests …

Enhancing Student Achievement In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom Using Computer-Based Instruction, Anne Nedved

Graduate Research Papers

Computer-based instruction (CBI) is one tool that has enhanced curriculum to meet individual learning needs and enable students to succeed in the mathematics classroom. CBI creates an environment centered on individualized, flexible learning where students can be more self-directed and independent.

The importance of this review is to cite specific research and studies to determine the effectiveness of such computer-based applications in the mathematics classroom in relation to student achievement and professional development. The most productive and positive integration of CBI in terms of student achievement and motivation in the classroom was due to the professional development and training of …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Technology On Learning In K-12 Education, M. Ann Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

Demonstrating an impact on student learning due to technology innovations is extremely important in K-12 education. Billions of dollars have been spent on technology in education in the past several years. Stakeholders are demanding to know if this investment is impacting student learning and achievement. However, the assessment of technology in K-12 education is complicated due to the changing nature of technology and all of the variables involved in education. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rationale for evaluating technology.in education, analyze the issues involved in evaluation, review current research on the impact of technology on student …

The Effect Of Year-Round Education On Student Achievement, Rebecca Okerlund

Graduate Research Papers

The year-round calendar has generated interest among many educators as a way to increase student achievement by reducing learning loss that often occurs during long summer vacations. This paper explores various assertions made about year-round education (YRE) as it compares with traditional-calendar education (TCE). Achievement results in the core subjects of math and reading are discussed and compared in school districts.that have utilized either a multi-track, a single-track, or a traditional 9-month calendar:

The outcome of this review indicates mixed results regarding YRE and student achievement.Because many of the studies contained incomplete data and confounding variables such as length of …

Teachers And Technology : Encouraging Teachers To Integrate Technology Into The Curriculum, Diane Roethler

Graduate Research Papers

Technology is one path in preparing students to enter the working world. In response to this important role, the International Society for Technology in Education has created technology standards for students and teachers to promote change in teaching and learning practices. A study done by Apple Computer identifies how far teachers are in the integration of technology to meet these standards.

When teachers' levels and concerns are identified, programs help teachers overcome their computer concerns, such as not having enough time, right equipment, or knowledge. Teachers also need to frequently practice what they have learned. In this time period, follow-up …