Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Changing Early Intervention Provider Practices To A Coaching Model Through Self-Study And Distance Mentoring Model : Family-Guided Routines-Based Interventions And The Key Indicators, Cindy Lefeber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to detemiine whether the use of the Distance Mentoring Model-Family Guided Routines Based Intervention strategies, adult learning strategies and self-study research would assist me in assimilating the Key Indicators into my early intervention provider practices. The Key Indicators are Setting the Stage, Observation and Opportunity to practice, Problem Solving and Planning and Reflection and Review (SS-OO-PP-RR). To determine the extent to which my teaching practices reflect the current practices in early intervention I engaged in Iowa Distance Mentoring Training through the state of Iowa while collecting and analyzing data through qualitative self-study, a constant …

The Impact Of Augmented Reality On Curriculum And Training Design, Destery K. Hildenbrand

Graduate Research Papers

Augmented reality (AR) is a relatively emerging technology that is being applied in a somewhat exploratory stage, for training design and curriculum development. In this review, 30 articles were selected and analyzed to identify some current uses of augmented reality in training and curriculum design. Four major themes were identified: 1) a brief introduction about AR; 2) the current uses of AR in curriculum and training development, 3) a review of the effects AR has on student engagement, and 4) the future implications of augmented reality in curriculum and training development. Recommendations for the future are also discussed.

Using Digital Writing Tools In Supporting Student Writing, Sarah Mckee

Graduate Research Papers

Core Curriculum guides teachers' writing instruction, requiring students to use technology to 1) produce and publish writing, 2) interact with others, and 3) develop skills to strengthen writing. Teachers should explore digital writing tools as a means to do each. This review examines the roles digital writing tools have in meeting Core Curriculum writing standards and facilitating feedback and revision in student writing. The focus of this review is recent research evidence published in the last five years. The research evidence suggests needed changes in writing instruction, based on teachers' and students' perceptions of digital tools – especially to provide …

The Effect Of Flipped Instruction On Student Learning : Perspectives From Students And Teachers, Britta Adams

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effects the flipped classroom has on student achievement, student attitudes and teacher perceptions. Thirty peer-reviewed journal articles were reviewed and analyzed. Three themes emerged from the review: student achievement, student attitudes and teacher perception. It was found that the flipped classroom was a positive experience within a majority of the studies. Since little research has been done in the K-8 level for content areas outside of math and science, it is recommended that further research to be done in a larger variety of content areas at the primary and secondary …

Cinematherapy In Gifted Education Identity Development : Integrating The Arts Through Stem-Themed Movies, Timothy Carl Kangas

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the crucial need for inclusion of a curricular component within gifted and talented programming that addresses the social and emotional development of gifted students. This component, cinematherapy, addresses the asynchronous development of gifted students through the lives of gifted characters. This paper details the process for selecting STEM-themed movies to view with students, provides a table of relevant STEM films that feature gifted characters, and possible general discussion questions to be used after viewing.

How Can A Child's Fluency Be Improved And Provide Support For Comprehension?, Sharon Marie Collins

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the literature that addresses ways to improve fluency and to provide support for fluency development and comprehension. The culmination of this literature review results in the creation of a project addressing the question, How can I encourage the families of my students to be more involved in their child's reading? This project uses the structure of a family literacy night to focus upon fluency development and literature engagement between children and their families.

Extending Mathematic Learning Beyond The Classroom Through Online Discussion And Reflection, Linsey Zimmerman

Graduate Research Papers

This review explores the research (2002-2015) focusing on the use of writing in the high school mathematics classroom incorporating blogs and online discussion. Thirty articles were identified and analyzed which provided information on how writing in the math classroom was developed and carried out. The research found that extending the mathematical learning through writing creates a sense of community among students, allows student reflection and application, and helps students gain a deeper understanding of a mathematical concept. Implications of the research and suggestions for future research are discussed.

A Journey Of Designing And Beta-Testing A Game-Based Unit, Renee E. Thomas

Graduate Research Papers

This project report describes a journey of designing and beta-testing a game-based learning unit with sixth grade students in rural Iowa. Game-based learning was a trial at practicing the 21st century employability skill of demonstrating productivity and accountability. The unit was designed and developed using the backwards planning process of Understanding by Design (Wiggin & Mc Tighe, 2005). The beta testers were two classes of sixth grade students and a classroom teacher. Alpha testers were other school personnel. It is found that a majority of sixth grade students like to be in control of their learning path in a game-based …

Strengthening Early Mathematics In Early Childhood Classrooms : A Professional Development Project, Jennifer Lynn Jansen

Graduate Research Papers

This project outlines a series of professional development sessions for preschool teachers that focus on early mathematics. Each session emphasizes key mathematical content and builds teachers' understanding and positive attitudes toward mathematics. Teachers also explore how children's knowledge and skills in the content topics develops and examine examples of children at various levels of understanding and stages of learning with regard to mathematical content.

The sessions also emphasize how the mathematical content can be explored in preschool classrooms in ways that support children's foundational learning in the area of mathematics. Another element of this project is the use of site-based …

The Effect Of Serious Gaming On Elementary Student Learning, Amanda Moritz

Graduate Research Papers

With our ever-changing technological world, schools need to incorporate more engaging learning activities that expose and extend students' learning with technologies. This literature review investigated the effects of serious gaming activities on student achievement. Thirty peer-reviewed journals were selected, analyzed, and evaluated. These studies were conducted about a variety of subject areas in the elementary setting in different areas around the world. Research evidence suggested that serious gaming, whose primary goal is not entertainment but instead to educate the user, can improve student achievement, meet their different learning styles, and enhance student motivation across curricular areas and regions. Recommendations for …

Using Comprehensive Literacy Instructional Modules For Literacy Instruction With Students With Disabilities, Amanda M. Wasylik

Graduate Research Papers

This research study examined the use of comprehensive literacy instruction within a self-contained ID-mild Special Education classroom. Comprehensive literacy consists of daily instruction in word study, comprehension, and writing, with an additional period of time during each day for self-selected reading. Comprehensive literacy instruction was examined using self-study methodology on teaching practice through the analysis of lesson reflections, class schedules, and an autobiography of professional teaching experience.

Three case studies of student performance across a semester of instruction were analyzed using data on literacy tasks, literacy assessment, and classroom observations. Results support the promotion of effective comprehensive literacy instruction for …

Fostering Reading With A Summer Literacy Unit For Elementary Students, Diane M. Bahrenfuss

Graduate Research Papers

This paper contains an instructional unit designed for teaching elementary students who struggle with reading comprehension. The literacy strategies that comprise the unit are grounded in the relevant research-based literature that is cited and referenced in the paper. Methods for instructional delivery are included as well as detailed lessons. Literacy strategy lessons were developed to connect fiction and non-fiction mentor texts with written responses. Discussion of multicultural literature is suggested as an engagement strategy to encourage voluntary summer reading. Student access to high-interest reading material as well as free-choice were major components affecting elementary students' reading development and growth during …

Empowering Elementary Teachers To Explore Critical Literacy Through Drama-Based Instruction, Courtney J. Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

This research project comes in the form of a professional development project combining the theories of critical literacy for elementary students and drama as a form of arts integration in literacy instruction. The project consists of six workshop sessions intended for willing elementary school teachers looking to expand their thinking around literacy instruction. Participants experience introductions to drama as an instructional approach by learning three specific strategies, including tableau, character interviews, and writing-in-role. They also learn about the basic elements of critical literacy by engaging in self-exploration and reflection, along with participating in research-based learning exercises intended to extend individuals' …

Online Audiobook Reference Guide For Iowa Elementary School Librarians, Kerry Lewarne

Graduate Research Papers

One of the American Association of School Librarians' (AASL, 2007) common beliefs purports that reading is a window to the world and that students can read through any format. However, access to audiobooks in school libraries remains limited due to difficulties with funding and accessibility. The purpose of this research project was to provide a resource for teacher librarians using audiobooks for the first time or who are seeking assistance with purchasing, borrowing, or connecting to audiobooks. It is also for experienced users seeking a complete guide to the variety of audiobooks available through Iowa libraries. the research project includes …

The Effects Of Using Digital Storytelling For Fourth Graders' Literacy Learning, Benjamin J. Feight

Graduate Research Papers

The dual purposes of this action research project were to investigate how the inclusion of digital learning techniques helped impact students' perceptions towards literacy instruction, and any impact on parents' perceptions. The action research was conducted in a fourth grade classroom of twenty-one participants in a rural school, engaging students in the whole process of creating a digital story.

The major results indicate that: a) student motivation towards writing increases when introduced to the concept of using some sort of digital device to write the story; and b) parents were enthused about the level of work their students submitted when …

Using Running Records Data In Planning For Literacy Instruction, Tabitha A. Waltz

Graduate Research Papers

Running records are an assessment tool that allows teachers to monitor the sources of information readers are using. Many teachers have learned to take running records, but they may not be as comfortable analyzing the running records and using the results of the analysis to inform instruction. This graduate, final project presents a professional development program that will help teachers learn not only to take running records, but also to analyze and use the results in their instruction.

Sign Language In The Preschool Classroom : A Self-Study, Dianna Geiger

Graduate Research Papers

This research was a self-study involving the learning and implementation of sign language in the preschool classroom. Over the course of eight weeks, I taught myself sign language and implemented what I learned in my preschool classroom of three- and four-year-old children. Through journaling, videotaping and surveys, I was able to increase my sign language knowledge at a good rate, increase student engagement and find a unique way to bond with my students. My memory was the biggest challenge for me during the study. Knowing someone that speaks in sign language would be beneficial to someone just starting out. While …

A Unit Design : Learning To Code With Finches, William V. Gruman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to develop a coding unit for students in grades 5-8 as an introductory programming course using the programming language SNAP! with a Finch robotics platform. The robotics platform provides a means of student engagement that allows them to complete computer programming challenges that drive interest and motivation. A series of five major learning activities were created as part of a middle school technology exploratory course. The beta testers included the four course instructors and around 30 of middle school student volunteers.

The designed unit was implemented once as a pilot, and was being implemented …

The Rise Of Close Reading, Jayne E. Larsen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this advanced literature review is to examine the evolution of close reading as a reading strategy. Currently, close reading is a strategy used to teach students to independently navigate through challenging text. This strategy was previously used in higher education, but as years progressed, the strategy was used less frequently. Since the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) there has been a rebirth of close reading as a reading strategy.

The literature review discusses the history and background of close reading starting in the early 1900's. Next the literature review explores instructional strategies, and effective …

The Design Of A Professional Development Program For Technology Integration, Dana M. Lampe

Graduate Research Papers

Although teachers recognize the use of technology in their classrooms has a positive influence on their students, efforts to learn the technology integration are often limited by barriers. The purpose of this project was to document the whole process of designing and developing a professional development program for technology integration to break out barriers. By conducting a literature review I gained a better understanding for professional development of instructional technologies. After collaboratively conducting the context analysis with my colleagues, I designed, developed and implemented thirteen sessions of the professional development sessions. I got the on-going feedback as the formative evaluation. …

The Transition Of Flipped Instruction : From Professional Development To Classroom, Alison J. Sauter

Graduate Research Papers

This action research study was designed to implement flipped classroom professional development for high school teachers, and investigate whether the flipped professional development could be transferred from the teacher learning into student learning. Over three months the teachers' flipped professional development covered the flipped classroom model, differentiated group work, and the technologies needed to flip a lesson. Each of the seven participants created and delivered three flipped lessons in their classrooms. The major findings suggest that the flipped learning skills were transferred from professional development to practice (with the aid of instructional coaching.) Recommendations for further professional development on classroom …

Examining Variations In Technology Use For K-12 Students Of Different Gender And Socioeconomic Status, Nikki Lyons

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature currently published on how members of different genders and socioeconomic classes use technology to suit their needs in and out of the classroom learning environment. It will focus on the use of digital technologies by students in elementary, middle, and high schools. This was done by examining 30 research-based, peer-reviewed journal articles, books, published papers, documents, and observational analyses. The research indicates there are clear differences in how members of different subpopulations such as gender and socioeconomic groups choose to use technology to suit their communication, collaboration, instructional, and entertainment …

The Inclusion Of Engineering Design Into The High School Biology Curriculum, Cody D. Lakose

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to develop engineering-based lessons for a life science course,i.e. biology, in order to meet the NGSS standards as well as increase student interest in engineering by incorporating the principles of engineering design into the traditional science classroom.

Ela Teacher Perceptions Of The School Librarian's Role In Standards Implementation, Franny Frey

Graduate Research Papers

School library literature contains a wealth of ideas about the ways in which school librarians can be instrumental in implementing the Common Core State Standards for English language arts (CCSS ELA Standards). However, professional literature and important documents in other fields do not promote the school librarian’s role in standards implementation. It is unclear whether or not ELA teachers are aware of how the school librarian can support CCSS instruction. The purpose of this research study was to ascertain the perceptions and values middle school ELA teachers have of the school librarian’s role in implementing CCSS ELA standards. The research …

Coaching Stances : Changing Practice Through Self-Reflection, Patricia D. Foster

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy coaches must understand the sometimes subtle nuances in the language used to guide teachers in order to build their instructional capacity and ultimately increase student achievement. This article examines the coaching stances of "coaching, teaching and telling" that move along a continuum of support provided through a coaching framework for a literacy coach and her elementary teachers. Analysis of coaching practice was accomplished through a process of self-study and reflection that examined language over a three month period of coaching cycles. Rodgers and Rodgers outline three characteristics of effective coaching conversations that provide the catalyst of action to move …

Understanding By Design Unit Lesson Plans For The Next Generation Science Standards: Life Science, Arie Schiller

Graduate Research Papers

The project that I focused on for my Creative Component is the creation of Understanding by Design (UbD) unit lesson plans that address the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the topic of Evolution. When the final framework was released of the NGSS in 2011, the need for teachers to revisit and align their curriculum became a necessary step to ensure appropriate content was taught. In the fall of 2013, Keokuk Community School District decided science teachers would begin implementing the new NGSS, anticipating that the state of Iowa will adopt the standards.

This creative component includes lesson plans correlated …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Materials Recommended For Middle School Classrooms Regarding The Multiple Perspectives On The Causes Of The American Civil War, Emma Folland

Graduate Research Papers

The Civil War is a topic that is taught at the middle school level. However, teachers are not necessarily teaching from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. They are also not always looking at the causes of the Civil War beyond slavery. The purpose of this project was to create a selective annotated bibliography of recommended resources for middle school teachers to use when teaching about the causes of the Civil War from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. The researcher considered what resources were available for teaching middle school students about the different causes of the Civil War from …

The 1930s: The Great Depression And Beyond ; An Annotated Bibliography, Tydra Corbin

Graduate Research Papers

The amount of material a social studies teacher is expected to cover in a year can be overwhelming. Yet, when a search for picture books to support a unit on the 1930s in America was conducted, no comprehensive list was found. Therefore, the purpose of this research project was to create an annotated bibliography of high quality picture books aligned to the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies that would improve the teaching of a unit on the decade. After examining the picture books, gaps in the topics covered were identified, and vetted websites were selected to supplement coverage of …

An Analysis Of Online And Blended Learning Environments : Measuring Approach And Learning Outcomes In Corporate Settings, Meghan B. O'Neal

Graduate Research Papers

Organizations use training as an investment with the desirable end goal of gaining a valuable employee, despite cost and time constraints on their organization. This review investigates how e-Learning and blended learning training methods are currently used in organizations. It measures the Return-On-Investment of e-Learning and blended learning training methods within corporate learning environments and examines means to improve learning outcomes for learners and the organization.

For this review, peer-reviewed journals were evaluated to analyze e-Learning and blended learning methods and outcomes. Conclusions reveal that both e-Learning and blended learning training models are being successfully used in corporate training modules. …

Closing The Knowledge Gap Between Virtual Design And Product Manufacturing : Using 3d Printing For The Ninth Grade, Jeremiah D. Cooper

Graduate Research Papers

This action research investigates the impact of using 3D printing for a Technology Education course in a ninth grade classroom in general, and the effectiveness of students' ability to connect virtual design and manufacturing concepts in particular. There is a current gap in 3D printing research involving the link between designing products virtually using CADD software and the manufacturing processes necessary to create real life products. This action research attempts to fill the current research gap between computer-aided design and product manufacturing for ninth grade students.

Within the three weeks of this experimental design research, as a teacher who teaches …