Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Cluster Grouping Elementary Gifted Students In The Regular Classroom: A Teacher's Perspective, Kevin Michael Teno

Graduate Research Papers

Cluster grouping is a programming option that is receiving increased attention as a method of serving gifted students in regular heterogeneously grouped classrooms. This article provides an overview of the literature on cluster grouping and also examines the advantages and disadvantages of clustering from the perspective of conclusions obtained through actual implementation in an elementary school district. The conclusions indicate that clustering, if carefully planned and implemented, provides a viable option in meeting the needs of gifted students and improves the education of all students in the regular classroom.

Reading Recovery : The Teacher's Perspective, Nancy A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

READING RECOVERY: The Teacher's Perspective presents a report of research that looks at Reading Recovery, an early intervention reading program for low-performing students, with the primary focus on the role the teacher plays. Data used was compiled from journal articles and personal interviews with three teachers randomly chosen from a Midwest school district. The basic questions were directed toward the teacher training, lack of professional input from the teachers in training, and the extensive paperwork required of the Reading Recovery teachers.

Results of the study indicated that teachers that are actively involved in the Reading Recovery program accept the program …

Early Literacy Experiences And Their Affect On Children's Literacy Development, Jolene Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of early literacy experiences for children. The primary focus this paper was to look at the benefits of early experiences with literature on children's literacy development.

The primary early literary experience investigated was children being read to by adults, and the benefits of this activity related to literacy development. Other components· of a rich literacy environment and their potential benefits were discussed. All of the activities that were investigated were found to positively influence literacy development.

Potential problems parents may have when trying to provide literacy experiences for their …

Bibliotherapy : A Technique To Meet The Social And Emotional Needs Of Gifted Adolescents, Carlotta Paul

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of developmental bibliotherapy as an instructional technique for resolving social and emotional problems of gifted adolescents. By means of a review of educational and psychological literature, the writer gathered data about the effectiveness of developmental bibliotherapy in treating the social and emotional problems of the gifted described by Delisle and others.

The lack of bibliotherapeutic empirical studies using gifted adolescents as subjects and conflicting studies on the effectiveness of bibliotherapy to alter social and personality problems led the author to conclude that developmental bibliotherapy is still an experimental technique. However, …

Effective Uses Of Technology In The Classroom, Sherrie Kopecky

Graduate Research Papers

Research Questions: How is technology being effectively used in the elementary, middle, and high schools both by the teachers and the students? What are some effective pieces of software students are utilizing in their learning? What is the best way to integrate technology into the curriculum?

Portfolios : An Implementation Report, Anna Burnham

Graduate Research Papers

Today's educators are acquiring a clearer picture of student learning and growth. To achieve a more comprehensive assessment of student growth, teachers are turning to alternative assessment tools. One such tool is a portfolio. What is a portfolio? What is the purpose of a portfolio? How does one design and implement portfolios? The purpose of this article is to answer these questions and to study, first hand, how elementary teachers in Charles City, Iowa are designing and implementing portfolios.

After reviewing published literature and research, a survey instrument was created to answer questions concerning design, implementation, and other elements of …

Class Size In The Primary School Years (Kindergarten - Grade Three), Tracy L. Goebel-Kelley

Graduate Research Papers

Studies of the effects of class size on children's learning have been conducted throughout the twentieth century involving nearly a million students. This article summarizes the professional literature on the effects of class size on primary grade children's learning and how it corresponds to the NAEYC's developmentally appropriate guidelines. Then, class size reduction policies such as hiring an additional teacher, implementing tutoring programs, or grouping students differently throughout the day to reduce class size during reading and math classes are presented. This article was written to help those who are involved in early childhood programs understand the many benefits that …

Educational Technology And Language Teaching: Research On The Application Of Videos And Computers, Lihua Zheng

Graduate Research Papers

One of the major problems with the use of educational technology in China is the lack of qualified teachers who know their academic field and the application of instructional technology as well. This problem inhibits the improvement of the Chinese instructional environment and the development of the Chinese educational cause. The purpose of this research paper is to present some of the most current research in the effective use of educational technology in foreign language teaching with the focus on two technologies: video and computer. Concerning video technology, different learning styles and the implications for language learning are analyzed; the …

Experiencing Poetry Daily In The Classroom: Listening, Reading, And Writing, Carol Wenger

Graduate Research Papers

A second grade teacher provides students with daily poetry experiences based on research of the benefits of using poetry in the classroom. Poems were read for the enjoyment of the words, to further develop topics of study, to notice the use of writing conventions, to improve students' reading skills, and to improve the writing skills of students.

The Basics Of Teaching Media Literacy, Jill Wurzer

Graduate Research Papers

According to the Media Literacy Online Project (1998), American children and adolescents spend 22-28 hours a week viewing television. By the time today's children reach age 70, they will have spent 7-10 years watching television. Now, more than ever, schools are being called on to deal with the effects of the growing influence of the media in students' lives. Media literacy and media education are even getting attention in the English Language Arts Standards by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). So, what is media literacy? What materials are available to teach it, and how can teachers justify …

A Kindergarten Teacher's Growth : Creating An Authentic Writing Program, Deborah Reicks

Graduate Research Papers

In examining several elements of the kindergarten writing program I chose to focus on the importance of the connection between reading and writing and the role I, as a teacher, can play in encouraging children to grow and develop as young writers. By improving the process of discussing and recording a child's writing with each child we were able to focus on how reading and writing are connected and use the child's strengths and interests to foster growth.

Developing More Efficient Readers : A Guided Reading, Making Words, And Sentence Writing Practice, Nancy Hohanshelt

Graduate Research Papers

Inefficient reading of text by poor readers has always been a concern of reading teachers. This paper demonstrates an approach that increases vocabulary, aids comprehension, and improves writing. It incorporates three processes: guided reading, making words, and sentence writing.

The guided reading segment is where the text is introduced and then read by the students. Difficult words are studied and mini-lessons may be initiated at this time or a later time. The second portion of the lesson is for making words. A word is chosen from the guided reading text and becomes the target word for this portion of the …

Integration Of Technology Into Science Education, Paul Zahner

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the importance of integrating technology into science education is discussed. The correlation between technology and science is noted and national science standards are examined. The evolution of today's learners requires a change in science education, and technology can serve as a vehicle for meaningful reform. The starting point for any change in science education lies with the teacher, who must adopt new strategies to meet the needs of all types of learners. Various examples of these teaching plans are discussed within this paper. Other important components of the change process include school administration support, especially financial. These …

The Adult Learner: Do Learning Models, Activities And Environment Impact Retention?, Mindy Westendorf

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a literature review of the impact the learning environment, learning activities, and adult learning models have on the learner and learner retention. Books, periodicals, and articles reviewed and selected for this paper were done with so with a corporate setting in mind. Several different theories are reviewed that all suggest that a positive environment that considers the unique learning needs of adults leads towards a overall positive learning experience. Activities and learning models are reviewed that support the positive learning environment.

Integrating Writing Across The Curriculum Enables Special Needs Students To Become Writers, Gretchen Peterson-Kobriger

Graduate Research Papers

Elementary students with language and learning disabilities became independent writers and readers after the classroom instruction changed from a teacher directed, segmented, skill deficit approach which is typically found in special education classrooms to a classroom which embraced whole language philosophies and provided students with the necessary conditions for learning written language. This paper describes the specific changes in teaching philosophy, instructional practices, methods, and strategies which were implemented in my classroom. It demonstrates how individual student challenges were met which enabled the students to increase their self-esteem and awareness of themselves as writers.

Instructional Technology In The School System, Sherri Sue Zanotti

Graduate Research Papers

Analyses of the deployment of technology in schools have tended to note its failure to affect the daily values and practices of teachers and students. This absence is generally regarded as an implementation failure, or as resulting from some temperamental shortcoming on the part of the teachers or technologists. Such a construction is predicated on the assumption that the technology is value free and its implementation a struggling playing field. This paper proposes that no instructional technology is ever neutral. Its value and practices must support the organization into which it is placed. The failures of technology to look and …

The Use Of Conflict Resolution To Reduce School Violence, Sabrina L. Taylor

Graduate Research Papers

► A St. Louis student, 14, was stabbed at school.

► An Atlanta student 12 was shot at school by a friend showing off a stolen gun.

► A 5-year-old and two 7-year-old were suspended from school in Rockville, Maryland for bringing knives to school.

► Two Denver, Colorado high school students detonated a pipe bomb outside their school. 2

► A Maryland teacher caught a student with a pistol inside a school restroom. The student shot the teacher.

► A Massachusetts high school student was knifed and clubbed to death during a government class.

► An Atlanta student opened …

Technology And Its Impact On Language Arts, Tresa Ann Dietrich

Graduate Research Papers

Language arts is a field where technology can be worked into the writing and reading fields with word processors, CD-ROMs, and other multimedia materials that focus on communication. Learning to effectively communicate is one goal of language arts education. This encompasses speaking, listening, writing, and presentation – utilizing all the available technologies and incorporating them into highly motivating and innovative units or activities.

Providing A Print-Rich Environment For Young Writers, Rita S. Nierling

Graduate Research Papers

A print-rich environment can provide many experiences to nurture young children's writing abilities. Cambourne's instructional elements for promoting literacy have been related to a literature-based program. Literature experiences and related writing activities extended to the science area of an elementary instructional program, specially to the concept of air, are developed.

Electronic Job Searching : Suggestions For Educators, Jan Andreesen

Graduate Research Papers

The Internet offers an abundance of resources and information to the job seeker. Because of this great wealth of data, it is important educators are able to assist students in developing a path to take when utilizing the Internet as a job searching tool. When job searching using the Internet, students can go online to determine their interests, research various careers, research various companies, and research general and specific job listings using online job boards and online newspaper classifieds. The Internet also offers information on the various resume formats needed by today's job seeker. These resume formats include those that …

Multiage Education, Wendy Edwards

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the practice of multiage education. The introduction consists of the background of multiage grouping, and centers on the one-room school house from centuries ago. Also, the theoretical framework is investigated to further explain the background of muliage grouping. A broad explanation of multiage is given, along with characteristics of a multiage program.

Benefits and disadvantages of multiage grouping are discussed in later chapters. Suggestions for successful implementation of a multiage program are also shared. The conclusion of the paper consists of a summary of the research and recommendations for further research.

Developing Industrial Suppliers In Mexico, Abe Camacho

Graduate Research Papers

Research Questions:

1. Will cultural differences influence the effectiveness of developing Mexican industrial suppliers for U.S. international companies? 2. Will understanding the Mexican culture reduce time developing industrial suppliers for U.S. international companies? 3. Will developing Mexican industrial suppliers increase markets for U.S. international companies?

Designing And Implementing Successful Staff Development, Peggy A. Sheetz

Graduate Research Papers

What staff development factors are vital to ensure successful staff training for the integration of technology into the curriculum? What variability factors must be taken into account when planning and implementing staff development?

In theory, staff development should not take very long, and educators should be able to ascertain the meaning and directions that are given related to technology quite easily. However, the staff development that is thought out and executed well is the staff development opportunity that is effective. Effective staff development requires five factors: time, access, collaboration, training and implementation. Without these factors being considered, success will be …

Technology Staff Development : Key To Technology Integration, Joanne G. Dorhout

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will examine six areas. First, it will review several successful technology staff programs to support the concept that staff development does make an impact on the students' learning. Next, the principles that comprise a good staff development program will be examined, followed by an examination of the needs of an adult as a learner. Fourth, after. the teacher has acquired new skills, what insures the transfer of those skills into the classroom integrating technology into the curriculum? The concepts that research has found to be successful in the knowledge transfer will be examined. Fifth, to ensure the …

Barriers To Effective Programming Of Rural Gifted And Talented Students, Linda K. Moehring

Graduate Research Papers

Gifted and talented students in rural areas have barriers that are specific to them. Through a review of literature on gifted and talented students in rural schools this writer has determined five barriers to effective educational programming: (1) Anti-intellectualism as a societal attitude; (2) isolation of rural gifted students; (3) the all-encompassing role of the gifted and talented teacher; (4) inadequate curricular or programming opportunities; and (5) lack of funding.

The review and analysis of literature on the rural gifted and talented include the recommendation that much more research needs to be conducted in the area of service to rural …

Literacy Tutoring: A Qualitative Study On Tutor And Tutee Interactions, Kimberly R. Staebell

Graduate Research Papers

One-to-one literacy tutoring has been promoted as a solution for an increasing number of children who are struggling with reading in the regular classroom. This tutoring refers to an individual tutor working with a single child on literacy activities (Wasik & Slavin, 1993). This type of tutoring is said to be effective (Wasik & Slavin, 1993). One-to-one tutoring, for example, allows for supplemental reading time and the chance for more reading to occur. Morris (1990), notes that "an opportunity to learn to read is of critical importance" (p. 134 ). This opportunity is reflected in an individual tutoring situation which …

The Effects Of Acceleration On The Attitudes Toward And Achievement In Mathematics, Nancy Preece Mcgill

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the affects of participation in accelerated mathematics classes on the attitudes toward and the achievement in mathematics of thirty-five seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students and their parents. The respondents, from a small rural school district, completed a survey consisting of an open-form question and ten statements designed to elicit perceptions regarding their attitudes toward and achievement in mathematics.

Results indicated that parental attitudes were significantly more positive than students as a result of participation. Results also showed that participation produced no harmful effects and, in fact, many respondents expressed a desire to continue taking accelerated classes. …

The Benefits Of Using "Community" In The Elementary Classroom, Rodney Edgerton Lyons

Graduate Research Papers

The traditional teaching approach used in most American elementary schools, where the classroom teacher makes all the decisions and the conventional student is instructed to focus individual energies on assigned seatwork and ignore those who are around him or her, has become an ineffective model.

Researchers and certain educators believe that the use of "community" in the classroom will create environments where children care about one another and about learning, where students work harder, achieve more, where warm, supportive relationships are given birth -- enabling students to risk the new ideas and mistakes so critical to intellectual growth. As a …

Looking At Children Looking At Art : Teacher Response To Aesthetic Journals In Art, Julie A. Alden

Graduate Research Papers

Although recent trends in art education emphasize a discipline based approach to instruction, the elementary art experience often focuses on the process components of art production, overlooking other significant areas of study (Adams, 1992; Garoian, 1988; Hickman, 1994 ). One way in which educators can help make art experiences more meaningful to students is to use response journals for viewing artwork. Educators have established the use of response journals as a worthy practice by providing students with opportunities to develop greater understanding of content material and by providing teachers with valuable insight into students thinking through shared dialogue (Hall, Crawford …

A Phenomenological Analysis Of An Instructional Systems Design Creative Project, Daniel M. Benson

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a phenomenological analysis of a creative project involving University of Northern Iowa undergraduate art students in the planning and creation of visual illustrations, graphic design concepts, .html documents, and imagery for a world wide web intranet/lnternet virtual space.

This analysis looks at instructional design as a creative process and the phenomenology of the UNI Art/Cat (Art Resources Technology/Computer Assisted Training) computer laboratory. The mission, goals, and objectives of the creative project, experiential and experimental philosophies of education, and the phenomenologies of the instructional design process are the main considerations. The methodology of this thesis is primarily …