Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

A Coordinator's Manual For The Recruitment And Training Of Volunteer, Elementary Level Tutors In Reading And Mathematics, Lara Cole

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis project was to develop a manual for the coordination of a volunteer, elementary level tutoring program. To accomplish this purpose a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected resources was obtained and analyzed.

The Art Of Science: An Integrative Curriculum, Lisa Kay Dorsing

All Graduate Projects

This project shows the development of an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum which combines the visual arts with the physical, life and health sciences at the sixth grade level. The integrated curriculum sample identifies and aligns with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements of Washington state. In addition, the sample lessons maintain the integrity of both art and science, the two subjects being integrated, demonstrating how integration can take place while allowing both subjects to maintain their value as individual disciplines. The review of literature gives background on issues revolving around integration in general, as well as integration involving the arts.

Integrating Writing To Enhance Mathematical Skills At The Elementary Level, Kendra J. Kupp

All Graduate Projects

The recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and writing are studied. Integrated activities and materials for a first and second grade mathematics curriculum are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …

Educational Reading Games, Paula Anna Pina

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of a collection of educational reading games specifically for teachers and reading resource educators to use in the classroom. The games were designed for students in kindergarten and first grade. The games were organized according to the specific reading skills that will be reinforced. The specific skills were phonics, letter identification, and sight vocabulary. The games were collected from a variety of commercially available sources, teacher made games, and other educational resources. Furthermore, the author will discuss the rationale for using educational games in the classroom.

Real World Mathematics Skills Within The Elementary Resource Classroom, Stacy Schilperoort

All Graduate Projects

A project, including activities, to assist elementary special education teachers in incorporating real world mathematics skills within their own resource classrooms was developed. A literature review of current research on the topic of real world math skills in schools around the country is also included as part of this project. The literature indicates that students with learning disabilities might benefit and become better prepared for the future as adult citizens by receiving an education that includes math activities that relate to the real world outside the classroom walls.

Activities And Strategies For Parents And Teachers To Promote Fluent Reading Acquisition In Emergenct Readers Through The Use Of An Internet Web Page And Printed Materials, Carolyn Sue White

All Graduate Projects

Research relating to phonics, whole language, and a balanced approach as it relates to fluent reading acquisition was read, evaluated, and summarized. A web page with activities and links to other web sites was designed and installed on the internet to provide parents and teachers with material intended to help them promote fluent reading acquisition in emergent readers.

Visual Communication And Entertainment Through Animation, James T. Hamrock

Graduate Research Papers

Virtual animation is used today for everything including entertainment in motion pictures and video games, advertising on television and the internet, virtual animated videos used for industrial teaching aids, and project approvals for major building construction. Many modem companies are now insisting that new products are created using 3-D modeling and occasionally animation before approving funds for further development.

The research question in this work centers around thoughts and visions being effectively communicated so others can comprehend and share in the same perspective. This research will show the use of technology in answering this important question: Exploration of the literature …

The Reasons Why Many African-American And Hispanic Women Do Not Choose Careers In Technology, Kathryn Elizabeth Guzman

Graduate Research Papers

There have been numerous statistics showing that minorities including women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, are least likely to choose careers in the science and technology field. Along with those studies have been possible reasons why they choose not to enter into the field. Reasons have ranged from lack of encouragement to people just telling them flat out that there is no possible way that they can succeed in the field.

This study found that African-American and Hispanic women do not choose careers in technology for many of the same reasons. As young children, some factors are the way teachers …

Technology In Education : Is It Working?, Daryl Hartwig

Graduate Research Papers

Presents an overview of determining if implementation of technology into classrooms of schools is a significant factor in the increase in student learning. Results in technology assessments as well as the comparing and contrasting of traditional learning versus constructivist learning by ways of technology are closely examined. Successful guidelines for the implementation of technology into classrooms are also discussed in showing their important relationship in the enhancement of student learning. The end results are that there is much evidence which proves that the integration of technology into the classroom of schools is advantageous and therefore draws upon the conclusion that …

How Telecommunications Is Assisting The United States In Adult Educational Distance Learning Programs, Telemedicine, And Future Applications, Minna Ann Harrison

Graduate Research Papers

The future of telecommunications becomes more unpredictable every passing day. Products and services that were just dreamed of in the past, only six months to a year ago, are here and ready to be used in everyday life. Wireless service has been affected by PCS providers who are offering services to customers that are considerably cheaper. Voice recognition programs/applications were only being bounced around in 1997, but currently are being used at work places and homes. At the 1998 Comdex technology trade show six major software companies were promoting their voice recognition programs.

There are some glitches still. But as …

Teacher-Controlled Web Pages And Their Impact On Home/School Communication, Colleen S. Hobus

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to examine teacher-controlled Web pages and how they can impact school/home communication. Thirty-three eighth grade parents voluntarily responded to a survey about the communication practices between the eighth grade teachers and eighth grade parents in the Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant School District.A teacher-controlled Web page was set up and put into practice for a one and one-half month period. Parents and students were encouraged to access the Web page for daily assignment updates and special announcements.

At the end of the one and one-half month period, the parents were surveyed again and the results indicated …

Television Violence : The Impact And Influence On Children And Adolescents, Preston B. Hoskins

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will look at the history of violent youth, and the unique development of youth violence in our country. The author will examine the unique characteristics that make media such a powerful communicative source. The author will show how living in a media culture affects the way youth behave, and will explore the extent to which media messages have power over their lives. Information on the significance of television violence on the behaviors of youth will be included.

Improved Literacy In The Content Areas, Mauri Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

Many sixth graders struggle with the reading process. As they progress through middle school, they need to learn to improve vocabulary and comprehension skills while learning content material. This project considered the best practices for strengthening reading skills described in current literary sources. The purpose of this project was to provide middle level teachers instructional ideas designed to strengthen reading skills in the content area of social studies.

Preservice Teacher Technology Competencies : Investigating Levels Of Technology Use By Preservice Teachers, Allison Y. Kenkel

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to assess and determine the current level of technology competencies in preservice teachers at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). The Teacher Education Faculty at UNI developed and adopted the Preservice Teacher Technology Competencies (Appendix A), performance-based competencies modeled on several national standards documents. Preservice teachers at three different levels in the college of education program participated in this study.

This research was conducted to measure the proficiency of preservice teachers at UNI in their use of technology, specifically the educational and classroom use of technology. Measuring preservice teachers' ability to connect their knowledge …

What About Me? : The Final Question Of A Suicidal Teen, Peggy Ann Kleve

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescents need access to vital information on how to help a friend who is contemplating suicide. They need to be able to identify the signs and seek assistance from an understanding adult.

This research project, What About Me? The final question of a suicidal teen, was designed to determine whether reading an adolescent novel can educate teens about depression and suicide awareness. I wrote the adolescent novel so young adolescents would be able to relate to the main character and learn from her mistakes.

Looping : An Old Idea Revisited, Steven J. Koester

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper was to examine the existing literature and research available on the topic of looping, and to synthesize the information into a comprehensive report. This paper includes the historical background of looping, an explanation of the basics of looping, the examination of the teacher-student relationship, and the advantages and disadvantages of looping.

Implementing Response Journals In A Reading Workshop : One Teacher's Study Of The Effectiveness Of Reader Response Journals In Evaluating Individual Progress, Molly A. Knipper

Graduate Research Papers

This article reports on the development and implementation of reader response journals in a Reading Workshop. It is based on observations related to the effectiveness of response journals and self-evaluation in literacy instruction. Included in this article are descriptions of one teacher's previous reading practices, her desire for change, and the decisions she made regarding literacy instruction. The author guides readers through the steps involved in implementing a Reading Workshop, and also details the impact journaling and self-evaluation had on her literacy program.

Authentic Instruction And Assessment : The Revision Of A Unit Of Study In Social Studies, Katherin Koranda

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to research authentic instruction and assessment. After analyzing the results of a literature review, a unit on the United States Constitution was rewritten to include these two concepts. Current literature confirms that students are better prepared for life if teachers use techniques that bring the subject to life for the student. In order for teachers to successfully use authentic instruction, the focus needs to be on the assessment component.

This paper includes discussion of the different types of authentic assessment and the different ways to perform the assessments. The advantages and disadvantages of each …

Creating A Web Page For Centerville High School, Catherine Lechtenberg

Graduate Research Papers

The paper discusses the process taken to create a web site for Centerville High School. The audience for this web site includes current students, community members, and prospective families and business people. Information was collected regarding the resources, content, environment, and learners. The Applied Communications students worked in pairs to create several pages which include high school information, current fads, an opinion page, calendar of events, sports page, student spotlights, and faculty with their teaching assignments. The students would collect the information during the week so every Friday, in class, the groups would work on their section of the web …

Student-Led Conferences : A Better Way, Beverly A. Maronn

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this journal article is to inform teachers and administrators of a better way to conduct student-led conferences. The typical format is to hold these conferences in a small, advisory setting. This paper describes an alternative format, a "homeroom" arrangement, in which one teacher is available to facilitate the conferences of 12-20 students. The staff at Harlan Community Middle School has found that a large group, everybody together-type setting works better. The gym/commons/media center location alleviates many of the problems associated with the small group setting.

Digital Game-Based Learning: C++ / Rachael Voo Sze Ying, Voo Sze Ying Rachael

Student Works (2000-2009)

Game-based learning has been recognized as an important alternative to traditional method of teaching. It can help both adults and children in learning new concepts, gaining expertise and practicing knowledge. Though game-based learning is mostly applied in children's education, it can be helpful for adult vocational and university-level learning. Digital Game-based Learning: C++, which I prefer to refer to as Digital Game-based C++ Learning System is a web-based system that promotes learning C++ through games. It is the first of its kind whereby no programming language is to be learned through games. So, basically this system's objective to provide aid …

Interactive Multimedia Learning Science With Puzzles, Ngee Sun Cheong

Student Works (2000-2009)

Educational innovation occurs in many different ways. One approach use computer technologies to enhance the learning environment. Besides, computer assisted-learning can reduce the anxiety of students and turn out to be a positive side of learning (Gates, 1997). Children are our future leaders in the coming generation. Hence, Interactive Multimedia Learning Science with Puzzles is an interactive educational learning science with puzzles in English meant for children aged 6 to 9 years old. It comprises of an interesting storytelling with puzzles games, suitable for lower primary school (primary 1-3) for Malaysian children. It is a web based multimedia learning - …

Preface, Volume 18 (2000), Matthew Kaplan

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Preface to volume 18 (2000) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, written by Matthew Kaplan of the University of Michigan.

Introduction, Volume 18 (2000), Matthew Kaplan

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Introduction to volume 18 (2000) of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, written by Matthew Kaplan of the University of Michigan.

Diversity And Its Discontents: Rays Of Light In The Faculty Development Movement For Faculty Of Color, Edith A. Lewis

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Two faculty development conferences held within a six-day period during October 1998 yielded important experiences and lessons for faculty and professionals interested in working with faculty of color. This paper, written from the standpoint of a faculty member of color, outlines the strengths and challenges of working on these issues in higher education institutions.

The Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning: A National Initiative, Barbara L. Cambridge

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

As part ofthe scholarship of teaching and learning, faculty members study the ways in which they teach and students learn in their disciplines, and campuses foster this scholarship at the institutional level. A national initiative called the Carnegie Academy for the Scholarship of Teaching and Leaming constitutes three programs to engage and support individuals, campuses, and disciplinary associations in this form of scholarly work. This article describes the Pew Scholars Fellowship Program, the Campus Program, and the Work with Scholarly Societies and invites participation of campuses in this exciting initiative.

Teachnology: Linking Teaching And Technology In Faculty Development, Mei-Yau Shih, Mary Deane Sorcinelli

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

As a coordinator of teaching technologies and director of a center for teaching in a large research university, we have worked collaboratively over the last year to achieve a common goal: to implement and refine several faculty development initiatives that create linkages among the domains of teaching, learning, and technology. In this case study, we will describe the kinds of programs we’ve developedand summarize lessons we’ve learned. We hope that faculty developers on other campuses who are grappling with how to define their mission related to technology and how to work with faculty to integrate teaching and technology can adapt …

From Transparency Toward Expertise: Writing–Across–The–Curriculum As A Site For New Collaborations In Organizational, Faculty, And Instructional Development, Philip G. Cottell Jr., Serena Hansen, Kate Ronald

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

This paper will inform readers about a comprehensive approach to collaborative efforts between faculty developers, discipline specific faculty, and writing specialists. Miami University’s Richard T. Farmer School of Business Administration has begun to support a team of writing specialists, led by a faculty developer. This team has worked with business faculty lo build a model of collaboration far using Writing-Across-the-Curriculum that addresses some of the shortcomings of earlier models. This paper recounts the successful use of this new model in one accounting class.

Faculty Teaching Partners And Associates: Engaging Faculty As Leaders In Instructional Development, Myra S. Wilhite, Joyce Povlacs Lunde, Gail F. Latta

To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development

Special interest discussion groups provide opportunities for faculty to address specific instructional issues in a variety of areas including technology, distance learning, general teaching topics, pre-tenure issues, honors teaching, and the like. In 1995, to leverage the Teaching and Learning Center’s resources, outstanding classroom teachers were invited to provide leadership for discussion groups by serving as Partners or Associates. This chapter describes how an inexpensive faculty discussion-group leadership program maximizes a teaching improvement center’s resources, makes innovative teaching visible, and provides peer models for other faculty while helping promote an overall institutional culture that actively supports teaching excellence.