Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Emotional Quotient : Predicting And Teaching For Future Success Of Students, Denise A. Hale

Graduate Research Papers

Emotional Quotient (EQ) involves virtually every aspect of a person's life and plays a more important role in predicting success for students than the traditional Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Emotional intelligence involves recognizing one's emotions, thus having a sense of self-awareness, managing and controlling one's emotions, motivating oneself to achieve a set goal, responding with empathy, and handling interpersonal relationships with appropriate social responses.

Many children today are deprived of natural opportunities to develop a healthy EQ. Through modeling and continued reinforcement starting in the early elementary grades, EQ can be taught. Teachers can provide literature experiences as the basis of …

The Role Of Prereading Instruction In Content Area Reading, Mary Carol Smith

Graduate Research Papers

The graduate project presented in this paper is a workshop for teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6. The workshop will consist of prereading strategies to use in the content areas. Participants will learn that prereading instruction is preparing the student to read content area material. Teachers involved in the workshop will also gain an understanding of the need for and importance of prereading preparation.

Integrated Humanities: A Content Model For Senior High School Gifted, Jolene Kay Teske

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to develop an integrated humanities content model for senior high school gifted students. It began as a vision and has developed into a clear content model that will be piloted at the writer's school in the fall of 1999. Through the literature review and working revisions, the writer has become convinced that this type of model is one viable and defensible option for programming for intellectually gifted students at the senior high school level.

Home Response Journals : Parents As Informed Contributors In The Assessment Of Their Child's Reading Development, Julie Wilson Morningstar

Graduate Research Papers

When parents are welcomed as partners in their child's "educational team," a bridge connecting the child's home and school environments is created - empowering parents as active participants in their child's reading development.

John Deere Worldwide Manufacturing Symposium, Elizabeth J. Neibauer

Graduate Research Papers

The John Deere Worldwide Manufacturing Symposium project included event coordination, print materials, computer presentations, 29 speakers, location and guest arrangements. Printed materials included a symposium introduction letter, brochure, manual for each participant, welcome card, and thank you letters for each speaker.

Powerpoint presentations were used by all 29 speakers at the event and made available through internet access for all participants at the conclusion of the event. All presentations were handled and designed by the John Deere Waterloo Works.

In addition, the coordination of this project involved handling all details large or small including: selecting the location, recruiting the speakers …

Differentiated Educational Programming And Educational Strategies For The Highly Gifted In The Elementary Schools Of Malaysia, Norridah Katun

Graduate Research Papers

Highly gifted children, due.to their unique attributes, need a differentiated program and educational strategies that are commensurate with their abilities. As a part of the educational reform movement, the country of Malaysia has committed itself to the implementation of innovative strategies for developing the potential of its children and youth. This review of literature focused on that commitment.

First of all, the need for differentiated programming and educational strategies for the highly gifted was reaffirmed. Then, from the reviewed literature, the qualities of successful differentiated programming/strategies were established for highly gifted children in the elementary schools of Malaysia. Third, six …

Looping : An Alternative To Grade Level Promotions, Michelle Block

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a study of looping. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review and an analysis of the literature concerning looping. Three questions were asked in the study: 1. What is looping and how does looping differ from multi-age grouping? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages in looping? 3. What are the guidelines for an effective looping arrangement? The definition of looping was discussed as well as the advantages and disadvantages of looping. Guidelines for an effective looping arrangement were presented. Summary, conclusions, and recommendations were shared with readers.

Fostering Acceptance Of Disabled Persons By Appreciating Individual Differences, Allison R. Clausen

Graduate Research Papers

Although the federal law, Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142), requires school districts to provide a free, appropriate, and public education to all children with disabilities between the ages of three and 21, studies have indicated a need for programs to develop more positive and accepting attitudes toward the handicapped. This can be accomplished by providing nondisabled children structured experiences with disabled children at an early age when their perceptions of individual differences are being formed.

This article discusses the educational experiences of Joey, a fifth grade student diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Joey is …

Technology, At-Risk Intervention & The Music Classroom, Kurt M.J. Devore

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will provide an overview of the music technologies available for students, address how the National Standards for music education are fulfilled by utilizing technology in the music classroom, and discuss how technology applications can aid learning in the music classroom. There will also be a description of several technology based workstations for the music classroom.

The Internet And Education : Uses And Issues, Ronald William Fitch

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, to provide a short overview of how the Internet, especially e-mail and the World Wide Web (WWW), is used in education for all age groups, elementary school through university and corporate training. Second, to examine current issues surrounding the use of the Internet in education. This paper will answer the question "What is the current state of the Internet in education?" Educational uses of the Internet as supplemental tools to classroom learning will be defined and discussed.

Dress For Success: Can Uniforms Enhance Learning For The Middle School Child?, Steven E. Wymore

Graduate Research Papers

The hot topic of uniforms in public schools has been of great interest in recent years. Many believe uniforms can help the middle school child learn better. Some would use it to control violence and gang activities in schools. Others would use it to promote pride and academic achievement. Some say it would cut costs for needy families, and cut competition with clothing styles. Those who oppose school uniforms contend there is a lack of firm data to support a "fad" such as this with uniforms. Instead, dress codes should be enforced and maintained. Some people feel uniforms give a …

Reading Recovery In The Classroom : A Literacy Team Approach, Nancy Strunk Larsen

Graduate Research Papers

A recent remedy for the concern over continued progress and over communication between Reading Recovery and the classroom is to adapt Reading Recovery practices in the regular classroom. A Title I Reading Recovery program in a Midwestern school adopted this very remedy. The program initiated in this elementary school has two Reading Recovery teachers, three first-grade teachers, and two second-grade teachers who work collaboratively as a literacy team. The goal of the program is to use a teamwork approach to teach reading both with the idea of meeting the instructional needs of the student and also of teaching the classroom …

Multiage Education, Wendy S. Matson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of the literature relative to multiage practices in education. The primary focus of this paper is to review the benefits and problems of multiage practices in today's elementary classroom. The intent of this paper is to present a balanced view of the pros and cons concerning the education of children in a multiage environment. This discussion focused on some of the problems educators face in trying to do so.

The conclusion of this study found the teacher, the parent, and the administration are vital as a cooperative unit in educating a child, as each teaching …

Academic Acceleration Of Gifted Children, Lisa Moldenhauer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine academic acceleration. It looks at the rationale, different forms of acceleration, benefits, disadvantages, and guidelines that should be considered when accelerating. In addition, this paper examines teachers' beliefs and why they hold these beliefs concerning acceleration. Finally, the last chapter summarizes this study and draws conclusions from the literature and suggests recommendations for further study.

The Writing Portfolio : An Authentic Assessment Tool, Sondra L. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

Using writing portfolios as an ongoing assessment technique in the second grade classroom was a rewarding experience for my students and me. Our collaboration through conferences provided many connections between instruction and assessment. The students even though they represented a range of abilities were able to assess their own work and grow from their own reflections. Their writing abilities emerged and were captured in their portfolios. Authentic assessments were displayed with pride as each of the students shared their portfolios with their parents.

Parent As Participant Or Outsider : Establishing Positive Relations Between Schools And All Families, Amy Keller Sandvold

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to help elementary school educators to gain important information which may help them build positive relations with all parents. This review will not address special education teachers and programs directly, because of the particular case of federally mandated roles for parents working with educators, for which preservice special education teachers receive training. Likewise, national standards for preparation of early childhood educators provide for training in working with families of young children. This review is designed for elementary educators who do not have backgrounds in early childhood nor special education, although information cited might apply …

Intergenerational Education, Alison Sherer

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of intergenerational education and its effects on children, the elderly and society in general. Benefits, as well as problems, associated with intergenerational programs were discussed. Guidelines for planning and implementing a successful intergenerational program were outlined and conclusions were drawn from the literature. Recommendations were made for future intergenerational programs.

Acceleration Policies And Practices In Central Iowa, Patricia Ann Smith

Graduate Research Papers

This study explored acceleration practices throughout the country with a focus on the public and private schools of Area Education Agency (AEA) 11 in Central Iowa. Questions explored included the following: Do the school districts and private schools in AEA 11 allow for the academic acceleration of students in any form? Do they have written or implied unwritten policies for acceleration? What practices, if any, are currently employed by AEA 11 schools? What percentage of students in these schools engage in each type of acceleration? What criteria are used to select students for acceleration? How many acceleration experiences have had …

Calculators In Middle School Mathematics Classrooms, Debra Lynn Kuehne

Graduate Research Papers

Calculators can be a catalyst for all mathematical learning. Arithmetic skills are necessary life tools. Doing mental math requires basic facts mastery with estimation skills. Using a calculator successfully and evaluating the answer requires an understanding of the necessary arithmetic processes and the ability to identify a reasonable solution.

Like all technology available in the K-12 school setting, calculators should be viewed as tools to facilitate learning and logical reasoning. Students need to be prepared for the jobs of the future, many of which occupations have not yet even been created. The motivation for learning any skill in life is …

Guiding Peer Conferences In The Process Of Writing, Cheryl Kremer

Graduate Research Papers

Children can only become experienced writers by learning to use the writing process through opportunities to write and through modeling of strategies by their teacher. Children will especially benefit from questions and comments that are appropriate to make during a writing conference. This instruction may first take place during all-class conferences and eventually move to conferences between students (Graves, 1983). Conferences may have many purposes, but according to Graves (1994), the most basic purpose for a conference is to give the students time to share where they are in the writing process and to figure out where they are headed.

Retention In The Schools, Sandy Barry

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine grade retention. It looks at the advantages, disadvantages, and the alternatives to retention. This paper discusses factors that increases a child's chance of being retained. Aspects in education that have affected retention are also discussed. In addition, this paper looks at teachers' beliefs and why they hold these beliefs concerning_retention. Finally, the last chapter summarizes this study and draws conclusions from the literature and suggests recommendations for further study.

Coordinating General Classroom Reading Instruction With Reading Recovery Instruction, Jane E. Bentley-Gadow

Graduate Research Papers

"Our Nation is at risk. Our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world" (The National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983, p. 5). 3 These were the opening words published in a 1983 letter to the people of the United States entitled, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. In 1981, the National Commission on Excellence in Education was created under the direction of the Secretary of Education, T. H. Bell. Its purpose was to investigate issues in America's education, define problems and identify solutions (The National …

Inclusion Of An Autistic Child Into A Self-Contained Third Grade Classroom, Arlene M. Belt

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes the disorder of autism in the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders, the challenges that the autistic child faces, and the inclusion of an autistic child, a nine-year old boy, into a self-contained third grade classroom. Through details of his life, the reader is given an intimate look at the personal and educational issues he faces as he struggles to cope with his disability. In addition to focusing on how the disorder affects an individual, the paper stresses the importance of parents and professionals working together to develop and implement teaching strategies that will assist such a child …

Meeting The Needs Of Gifted Adolescent Girls, Marcia Schrader Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

Guiding high ability girls during their middle school and high school years has been as complex and enigmatic as the subjects themselves. This review attempted to synthesize information concerning characteristics and needs of adolescent girls, gifted adolescents, and gifted adolescent girls. Those specific needs would help determine what programming options could be implemented in the secondary schools to help gifted females reach their potential. The conclusions drawn from the literature point to a smorgasbord of programming options that can be implemented through collaboration among talented and gifted programs, school-wide efforts, and community-wide strategies.

Environments that provide encouragement and opportunities may …

A Project Approach Using Integration And Collaboration To Study Ancient Civilizatons In Sixth Grade, Kim Marie Nadermann Kerian

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to describe a 6th grade project intended to build responsibility in students for their own learning and develop an integration of curriculum areas through the study of Ancient Civilizations. Within this project, 6th grade students were involved in a research project with the final production of an ancient civilizations museum where they shared their knowledge and taught other students about their chosen civilization.

Extended Learning Program Evaluation, Linda S. Keegan

Graduate Research Papers

The rationale for the development of this project is to improve the quality of education for the gifted education program at the Marion Independent School District. The project was based upon the evaluation instruments employed to parents, students, and teachers effected by the ELP in the grades kindergarten through third grade. Parents were given a survey regarding the ELP program goals and objectives, communication, and satisfaction of the program. Students were given surveys regarding their learning and feelings about the program. Teachers were given surveys discussing a variety of topics dealing with parents, students, and services provided in the program.

Creation Of A Web Site For The Cedar Falls Historical Society, William W. Kay

Graduate Research Papers

Web sites are a growing media application for conveying information to anyone with Internet access. The creation of a web site for the Cedar Falls Historical Society was designed to provide the community an opportunity to access the organization's activities, schedules, and special events and to become knowledgeable about museum facilities as well as the history and historical personalities of the local area. The site contained information on membership, donations, structure, and other useful information.

I met with the Historical Society Board of Directors and presented a description of the scope, benefits, logistics, time frame, and cost of the project. …

Providing A Rich Learning Environment Through A Literature-Based Unit Across The Curriculum : Gardens And Gardening, Glenda G. Moleski

Graduate Research Papers

A literature base with related expressive activities from the language arts and graphic and performing arts can support an integrated instructional study. As a result, personal-social and thinking-language abilities can be nurtured. This specific literature base on gardens and gardening was developed for at-risk children in a multi-age classroom (grades 2-3).

The Integration Of Call In Efl/Esl Learning Environment, Kuei-Chin Huang

Graduate Research Papers

A number of studies have shown that learning through the use of computers is more efficient than traditional methods and arouse students motivation (Johnson & Osguthorpe, 1986; Jung, 1992 ). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI), to investigate the immense potential of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), and then to identify ways in which computers can be used to enhance foreign language learning.

Integrating Children's Literature And Mathematics In The Early Childhood Classroom, Jamie M. Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

"Historically there have been three reasons for groups to formally adopt a set of standards: (1) to ensure quality, (2) to indicate goals, and (3) to promote change. For NCTM, all three reasons are of equal importance" (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989, p. 2).

Now, more than any other time in history, mathematical reform is essential in our school systems. The traditional mathematics curriculum was designed to prepare shopkeepers, farmers, and factory workers for occupations in the early 1900s. Some of those skills are still useful in today's society. However, as the new millennium approaches, our future …