Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Perspectives On Early Literacy : The Monroe School, Mona S. Rosdail

Graduate Research Papers

This article is based on two days of observations and interviews in an all- kindergarten school in a small midwest city. The purpose of my research was to look at how the steps taken by this school correlate with the steps of Erickson's Dance in addressing the needs and development of the school when becoming an all-kindergarten literacy center. I feel that the information in this article would benefit educators who would like to implement changes in their schools.

School Violence And Its Implications For Gifted Children, Nancy Schuldt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to review the research of school violence, the emotional needs of gifted and talented students, and the implications of school violence for gifted students. The violence which has occurred during the past two years in the United States, not only in the high schools but also the middle and elementary schools, has been widely publicized in current periodicals, television, radio and newspapers.

The questions I have addressed in this article include: What is violence? What is school violence? What does research say about the emotional needs of gifted students? What are the implications of …

Using The Internet To Increase Student Motivation And Improve Communication Skills: Creating An Unusual Jobs Web Site, Deanna Schultz

Graduate Research Papers

This project was developed to determine if the Internet could be used effectively in the classroom to increase student interest in their work and improve their communication skills. Students interviewed people they considered to have unusual careers. The information they gathered was then posted to a Web site. Student surveys and teacher observations indicate that the project increased student interest and quality of work. Continuing this project and collaborating with other schools in the future will determine improvement of communication skills.

Integrating Spelling Instruction In A First-Grade Balanced Literacy Classroom, Michele Smith

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated some explicit spelling instruction in her first-grade balanced literacy classroom. The purpose for this article is to give an overview of the latest research concerning issues that affect spelling instruction and describe activities that can be used to teach children strategies for effective word study. The spelling program described in this article provided students with a purposeful way to study words and provided them with authentic writing experiences. The conclusion states a need for a balance between authentic reading and writing and purposeful word study.

Educating Parents On The Reading Recovery Program, Amy Colette Williams Sorenson

Graduate Research Papers

Just as the African proverb states that it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to help some children read. The significance of the home environment on literacy development has long been recognized (Danielson, 1997; Cairney & Munsie, 1995). Even pa~ents are aware that their interest in their child's literacy learning is important (Hayden, 1995/1996). Learning to read is an educational objective that is valued highly by both parents and teachers (Berger, 1998) and the sharing of knowledge and information about learning to read empowers teacher, parents, and most importantly, children (Holland, 1991 ). Successful …

Two Current Approaches To Science In Early Education : The Physical-Knowledge Approach By Kamii And Devries And The Science Education Approach By Diane Dodge, Seon Chun

Graduate Research Papers

The primary focus of this paper is to review the characteristics of two science approaches to teaching science to children: the physical-knowledge approach by Kamii and De Vries, and the science education approach by Diane Dodge. Similarities and differences between the two approaches are analyzed. The conclusion of this study found that both approaches emphasize children's active role in learning. However, Kamii and DeVries's physical-knowledge approach emphasizes children's logical reasoning development, while Dodge's science education approach places greater emphasis on content and scientific knowledge.

Concerns Based Adoption Of Instructional Technologies For Learning For Russian Pre-Service Early Childhood Education Students : A Pilot Study, Garth D. Cornish

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in concerns toward the use of instructional media for pre-service Russian elementary education teachers. Participants were a combination of 16 second- and third-year students in the early childhood department of Herzen Pedagogical University located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) was used to gather data for the study. A pre-test was administered before a specially designed series of seminars and workshops on instructional technologies for learning were conducted. Post-test results were gathered at the conclusion of the seminars and workshops. Findings indicated that awareness levels of …

Integrating Technology Into The Science Curriculum : Environmental Studies Grade 5, Lois Diane Enger

Graduate Research Papers

The project was developed to illustrate a process for including hands-on use of technology in an environmental education activity. The requirements for an integrated curriculum identified by McRel are incorporated: science, technology, language arts, math, and life skills. Activities included are discussion of the topic, writing and editing a script, digital photography, computer usage including scanning, on-site visiting, and teacher and student evaluation. The on-site visit was conducted at a nature center.

Classroom activities involved planning, research, storyboarding, organizing visual materials, script writing, and creating a computer-generated presentation using mPOWER, a presentation software program. The completed computer presentation was converted …

An Extended Literature Base For An Integrated Unit: Forest Regions Of The United States, Barbara R. Wild

Graduate Research Papers

An example of extending literature-based language arts to an integrated social studies and science unit is presented in this paper. Justification for this type of learning environment is given by citing professional literature. Specific benefits to students are explained. The teacher and student roles in this unit are defined. Teacher-directed activities, literature groups, and student-selected center activities all work together to provide a learning environment in which students are engaged in learning, take responsibility for their learning, and find meaningful uses for language tasks--written and spoken.

Spelling: A Review Of Literature, Tammy Uhlenhopp

Graduate Research Papers

This is a review of the literature on spelling. The purpose for this review is to give an overview of the latest research concerning issues that affect spelling instruction. The topics discussed are complexities of the English language, how children learn, differences between good and poor spellers, how to assess children's spelling knowledge, activities designed to teach children strategies for word ~solving, and ideas for organizing for instruction. This paper. indicates principles of effective spelling instruction. The conclusion makes a call for more research regarding visual memory and states the need for teacher in-service.

The Technology Coordinators' Web Site Project, Jason Allen Vetter

Graduate Research Papers

Technology in the schools has been a major push in Iowa schools for the past ten years. Our state legislature has given each school district within the state money to purchase technology for their district (R. Herdliska, personal communication, February, 1999). With this money, districts have been forced to look for help in purchasing this computing equipment. Sometimes they look outside for help and hire people who have been in the business world to meet this need. Sometimes they are forced to look within their building to teachers and staff members who have a "niche" with technology to meet this …

Internet Project Involving Elementary Students And Pre-Service Teachers, Helen Westcott

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a project designed to help pre-service teachers use technology effectively in their future classrooms. The project provided the opportunity for pre-service elementary teachers to communicate with 2nd grade students via e-mail and the ICN, an interactive television communication network. The 2 groups of students collaborated to create a web site and HyperStudio presentations featuring children's literature. The project enhanced the motivation of 2nd grade students to read and to write. The pre-service teachers reported that the project helped them gain new technology skills and a better understanding of the students they would be teaching in the future.

Writing Portfolios In A Resource Room, Marcquelyn S. Allensworth

Graduate Research Papers

Much attention has been given to the issue of assessing students' writing. The trend to view writing as a process has prompted educators to use qualitative assessment techniques to describe children's writing progress and instructional needs. The writing portfolio, one qualitative technique, provides an ongoing assessment that can be used throughout the year and extended throughout the school career of the child. In portfolio development, students can be actively involved in reflecting on their approach to the writing process and can, in collaboration with the teacher, set goals for future learning. Therefore, this type of assessment closely connects instruction and …

The Reading Basal Adoption Process : What Do Teachers Have To Say?, Jennifer Bowling

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the reasons three separate school districts in Iowa have chosen to adopt reading basal programs, and the process that led them to a final selection. Nine teachers in three school districts in a metropolitan area of a large town in the Midwest were interviewed for their opinions on the importance of reading, why a basal was chosen, the adoption process and the extent to which they were involved, and suggestions to make this process better.

The Future Of Educational Technology, Barbara F. Erlandson

Graduate Research Papers

Presents an overview of the role of educational technology. Inadequate teacher training, minimal technical support, limited money and time are seen as barriers to successful integration. The research involving each barrier is discussed, and suggestions are made for overcoming these barriers. The importance of classroom teacher is investigated. The current uses of educational technology are discussed as well as suggestions for the successful future use of educational technology. Concludes that technology will be partnered with education; the issue to be resolved by individual schools will be how to best use it to improve the educational process.

The Prospect Of Educational Technology In Tibetan Schools In India, Penpa Dorjee

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research paper was to determine the prospect of educational technology in Tibetan schools in India. In order to look at this, an attempt has been made to determine the present status of technology in Tibetan schools by collecting data through survey, telephone interview, electronic mail, on-line resources, and documents published by related organizations.

This paper also focuses on the present situation of the Tibetan schools, and looks at the primary problems of technology integration into the schools. Through survey and telephone interview, an attempt was made to determine the attitude and motivation of teachers, administrators, and …

Establishing Genuine Parent/Teacher Partnerships : A Home Visit Approach, Kimberly Jo Foy

Graduate Research Papers

This article is based on a teacher's personal experience with home visits and the feedback she received from parents. The home visits allowed the teacher to have a holistic view of students and their families. Quotes from an on-going journal convey a deepened relationship between the teacher and her parents. The goals of the home visits were to gain a deeper understanding of the children as readers, and communicate the child's developmental progress to the parents. Another goal was to understand parent perceptions toward home visitations, and build a parent/teacher partnership based on mutual respect. The results section of the …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Mathematics, Carrie L. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based language arts program provides opportunities for children to create meaning through quality literature experiences. Children's learning is integrated, and connections are made across the curriculum. The mathematics and language process are related and can be integrated into units of study through the genres of literature.

A unit of study on circles provided kindergarten children with quality literature and related expressive activities that facilitated the understanding of the concept of circle. As a result of this literature-based language arts program extended to mathematics, children's knowledge was integrated, peer interaction increased, and the reading-writing processes were connected. Children's enthusiasm for …

Home Schooling, Julie L. Lange

Graduate Research Papers

This study addresses the issue of home schooling in our state and our nation. Benefits and disadvantages associated with home schooling are discussed. Guidelines for planning a successful home schooling program are outlined for parents. Conclusions were drawn from the literature review, and recommendations were made for the future of home schooling.

Expending The Content Of Curriculum : Implementation Of The World Wide Web Into Foreign Language Teaching, Ping Gao

Graduate Research Papers

This study investigated the factors that impact the decisions to integrate the World Wide Web into foreign language curriculum. This inquiry involved a combined approach -- including a survey and a case study. The current status of the technology application in foreign language instruction at a state university in the United States was assessed through the survey. It revealed that integrating the Web was the least immediate concern of most foreign language professors due to their limited knowledge, their inadequate training, and their ambiguous attitudes. A case study of an innovator's practice of integrating the Web in foreign language instruction …

Winter : A Literature-Based Unit For Kindergarten, Amy L. Murray

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based program in a classroom can provide many opportunities for children to engage in the language 'process. As a result, children's thinking-language abilities are extended and their enthusiasm for involvement in classroom learning experiences is enhanced. Literature experiences representative of the different genres add dimensions to the study of themes and topics.

A literature base and related expressive activity for the topic of winter in kindergarten is presented in this article. The subtopics of the unit include seasonal changes, weather, outdoor activities, clothing and changes in animal behavior. Teacher-directed and student-initiated activities through learning centers are presented.

Computer Use In K-12 Classrooms, Terry J. Shaw

Graduate Research Papers

This project has two components: a survey of educators to determine how technology is being used in K-12 classrooms and a web site of software, Internet sites, and contact person in each grade level and subject area. To discover the use of technology in the K-12 classroom, a survey was sent to 3,500 educators within the Area Education Agency 7 boundaries. The results of the survey have been published on a website and will serve as a place for teachers seeking guidance on what software and Internet sites are considered "best practice." The website is divided by academic disciplines and …

Impact Of Fatherlessness On A Child's Needs Based On Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs, Ivy S. Thompkins

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to provide readers with an insight into one of the things that impacts a child's needs. That one thing, unfortunately, is the absence of a father in his or her life. This paper reviews literature on the different needs (Physiological, Safety, Love and Belongingness, Esteem, and Self-Actualization) that a child has according to Abraham Maslow. After each need has been determined and defined, then the impact of fatherlessness on those needs are discussed. The role of the single mother and society are also mentioned. Guidelines of how fathers, mothers, and society can impact …

Revisiting The Struggle For Integration, Michelle Fine, Bernadette Anand

Publications and Research

The project we describe in this article emerged from thinking about Fridays. While the Monday through Thursday schedule at Renaissance Middle School in Montclair, New Jersey covers the traditional distribution of curriculum, Fridays are dedicated to nine-week cycles of two hour sessions. Each session involves in-depth work focusing on five themes: Aviation, Genetics, Building Bridges, Community Service and this, the Oral History Project. Because the school is thematically organized around core notions of justice, history, social movements and "renaissances" (that is, Italian, Harlem and Montclair), we structured this project around the deeply contested history of desegregation of the Montclair public …

Integration Of Faith And Learning In Christian Higher Education : Professional Development Of Teachers And Classroom Implementation, Constance Chibuzo Nwosu

Dissertations

Problem. Few studies have focused on effective professional development programs that enhance faith-learning implementation in the Christian higher education classroom, and little has been documented about what integration of faith and learning actually looks or sounds like in Christian higher education classrooms.

Purpose. This study had four purposes:

1. To describe the training processes used for preparing teachers in Christian higher education for implementing EFL in the classroom.
2. To compare these methodologies with Jesus’ training methodologies and research-based professional development programs.
3. To understand how teachers in Christian higher education classrooms defined IFL.
4. To identify and document some exemplary practices of faith …

Web-Based Courses In Higher Education: Creating Active Learning Environments, Marilyn Ruth Eggers

Dissertations

Problem. As more and more adults seek to continue their education, alternate methods of course delivery Will be required to meet their needs. Web-based courses allow students to learn at times and places that are convenient for them. There is concern, however, about whether or not such courses can create effective, active learning experiences, and whether or not knowledge can be socially constructed in online interactions. In order for higher education to provide exemplary online courses, it is important to identify necessary elements and instructional strategies to create virtual learning environments. The goals of this study were to determine …

Technology Partnership Curriculum Initiative: A Descriptive Case Study Of Its History, Development, And Implementation, Ingrid Wright-Jones

Dissertations

Problem

Curricular reform has a pathetic history. Curriculum documents, some of the major tools of reformers, have had a minor effect on transforming education because the power of pedagogy has been ignored (Cuban, 1993). Teachers in the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) system voiced similar concerns about curriculum documents. Additionally, they felt that their 2-4-day in-service training did not adequately prepare them to implement curricular changes. This initiative, aimed at restructuring both the content and process of teaching, was to be implemented in a distance-learning pilot project in eight one-teacher schools.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to: (1) define the …

Reading Recovery And Its Issues, Carole L. Neary

Graduate Research Papers

The Reading Recovery Program, an intervention program for young school children who are literacy delayed, and the in-service program for teachers who will deliver the program are described. Teachers' views of the in-service program, the cost of the program, and an analysis of the program's effectiveness are presented.

Predictable Text With Primary Age Children In A Title One Reading Program, Joanne H. Dearment

Graduate Research Papers

Readers create meaning in print through the process of prediction. Prediction and comprehension are intricately tied together. Reading predictable books helps young readers comprehend text because their expectations are repeatedly confirmed. Predictable text brings children naturally into the reading process and allows them to process print much as mature readers.

When predictable text is implemented into a Title One reading program, students can more successfully interact with text. This sense of achievement motivates them to become actively engaged in reading experiences. As a result, students became better readers because they are reading more. Also, they became improved writers because the …

The Lifelong Learner And Technology, Dia L. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

The teaching strategies of the educator alter to suit the needs of the students and technology. The content integration process takes time. It has been stated that teachers' first technology projects generate excitement, but often little content learning. Often it takes a few years until teachers can use technology effectively in core subject areas.

Teachers learn to use computer technologies and learn how to bring content learning to the forefront with, in some cases, impressive results on the part of the students. Teachers eventually learn to view the learning process in concert with their new technologies and come to understand …