Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

The Design Of Web Sites With Quality User Interface, Amery L. Moultry

Graduate Research Papers

Usability engineering focuses on how well Web sites are structured. Many designers are unaware of the diversity of usability engineering and what it can offer the developer in efforts to produce a usable Web site. Three researchers in the field, Borges, Morales, and Rodriquez (1998), have created a style guide of content, which recommends essentials for user-friendly Web sites. They included in their list Common Look and Feel (CL&F), Information Display, Navigation, and Labels. This research paper goes through the steps it took to create a quality Web site using the style guides of the noted researchers.

Web-Based Portfolios In Higher Education, Marilyn Murphy

Graduate Research Papers

Portfolios offer an authentic means of assessment for higher education. The management of paper portfolios, however, is problematic,. Electronic portfolios solve many of the problems associated with paper portfolios and offer several added benefits. Making electronic portfolios accessible on the World Wide Web is advantageous for faculty, students, and employers. The problems associated with web-based portfolios are generally manageable.

An Integrated Technology Project In One Iowa Middle School, Beverly R. Nielsen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether implementing an integrated technology project at Columbus Middle School in the Columbus Community, Iowa School District would have any positive learning effects on the eighth grade students. Secondly, the research set out to determine if there are advantages to integrating technology into middle school curriculum. Finally, the purpose of the research was to find selection criteria for an integrated technology project for the middle grades. After selection and implementation, the project was evaluated through teacher observations and student self-evaluations. Both evaluations indicated that this integrated technology project had positive learning effects …

West Delaware County Community School District Talented And Gifted Program Handbook, Mary Quinlan-Kelley

Graduate Research Papers

Every district should have a program handbook that describes its talented and gifted program. The West Delaware School District especially needed such a document because of the many requests for information from faculty, administration, and parents concerning such areas as identification, organization, and purpose of the talented and gifted program that arise year after year.

Program handbook development began by sending out a needs assessment to parents, teachers, administration, and students. Based on the discovery of the needs of our district, a new philosophy, format, and identification process were constructed. In addition, the development of written goals and a yearly …

Whales, Meg Gammon Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Children develop thinking-language abilities through involvement in the language processes. A print-rich environment representing the many genres of literature extended across the curriculum offers meaningful experiences with the language functions. Such literature experiences and related expressive activities can provide in-depth study in the content areas, expanding the understanding of units' concepts and related vocabulary.

A science unit on whales for kindergarten was enriched through literature experiences. The activities were presented through teacher-directed sessions and student-initiated activities available in the learning centers. The result of this extensive print-rich environment was in-depth study and enthusiastic responses on the part of the students.

Alternate Curriculum In Reading For Grade Four, Julie A. Schmit

Graduate Research Papers

Julie A. Schmit, a fourth grade teacher, specifically designed the two reading alternate units. These units were designed to provide challenging reading and learning experiences for talented and gifted students in grade four. These units provide challenging, above grade level materials and activities for the students whose reading, vocabulary, and language skills are advanced to such a degree that they would derive greater educational benefit from working with alternate materials.

Curriculum Differentiation In Practice, Twyla D. Wisecup

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to create two curriculum differentiated reading units designed to meet the needs of fifth grade, high-ability language arts students. The units were written to compliment existing whole class units already in use, and to coincide with major district goals encouraging students to take control of their own learning by making decisions about their writing, selecting their reading materials, and assessing their progress. This paper gives a broad definition of curriculum differentiation and reviews the literature in regard to differentiation of curriculum in the field of gifted education, and provides a focus on possible strategies …

Family Literacy, Dorothy Fay Bantz

Graduate Research Papers

This is a Family Literacy Program set up for second grade students and their families. The project includes thirty-six books and activities for the students to take home every Friday of the school year. The activities include both the student and the adults in the home. The picture books are both narrative and expository and written in a variety of genres. The book reviews are included for each book to show their quality. The adults are given support from the school through newsletters, a web page, family nights, and an initial home visit. The adults are encouraged to become part …

Utilizing The Classroom Computer In A Special Education Setting To Facilitate Cooperative Learning: A Case Study Using Kidpix, Audrey Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Collaboration and cooperative teaching methods have been researched since the late 70's. The research indicates students will learn from each other given the proper environment and tools. In this study, six elementary students were evaluated to examine the effects of teaching individual tasks to students and observing the students for collaboration between partners. Two students were placed side-by-side at one computer and observed by an undergraduate researcher.

The results of the observations report the students were engaged in the activity of KidPix 60-l 00% of the time. All of the students were able to complete the tasks over 95% of …

Teacher Change In Math Education, Jamie Folkers

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review addresses the process teachers go through in order to change their instructional practices in math. The purpose of this review is to compare traditional math practices with practices being advocated by reform initiatives, to look at hurdles preventing teachers from adapting these reforms, and share suggestions for removing these hurdles to allow a smoother change process for teachers.

The sources referenced come from research studies involving classroom practices and professional development programs, journal articles related to the math reform movement, and books on the same topic. They date from 1989 to 2000.

The main recommendations are as …

Distance Learning : Is It Worth The Investment?, S. Michelle Degabriele

Graduate Research Papers

As human knowledge expands at an exponential rate, learning is increasingly becoming a lifelong endeavor. Careers and lives in the twenty-first century require constant learning, new education, and retraining. Thus, the nontraditional adult population in universities is increasing. Institutions pondering how to cope with an increasing student population and an ever shrinking budget can examine distance learning as a possible solution. Costs and benefits must be carefully considered in the areas of institution finances, the learning process, students, and instructors.

Although many instructors gladly accept opportunities to teach in the distance learning environment, the majority of instructors still have concerns …

The Merits Of Kindergarten Readers' Workshop, Janet K. Hurley

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy is at the very core of our being, and as such a vital component of personal identity, creating an environment conducive to literacy development is an essential element of education. Knowing that attitudes are molded early in life, establishing a strong, meaningful literacy program in early childhood can affect children for a lifetime.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the merits and power of Readers ' Workshop at the kindergarten level. First I will define and discuss components of the workshop format. I then will share what I see as the greatest benefits of the workshop approach …

Implementing And Sustaining Effective Online Learning In Organizational Environments, Amy S. Campbell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review will address specific issues and concerns that are . prevalent when organizations begin to migrate training and learning activities to an online environment.

The structure of many organizations has been changing over the years to include a diverse and geographically dispersed work force. In an effort to continue to provide training and learning opportunities, while at the same time reducing travel and time away from work, more organizations are seeking to implement online learning alternatives. Online learning offers a unique learning alternative to traditional instructor-led training. However, organizations must be prepared to effectively support online learning and …

Non-Technical Issues Involved In Moving A College Course From The Traditional Classroom To Cyberspace, Dixie L. Mercer

Graduate Research Papers

Advances in communication technologies have rapidly led to interest in the development of online learning programs. The value of these programs is beginning to be accepted as a way of providing an alternative delivery system to students in higher education whose work schedules, family issues, or geographical location make it impractical to attend regularly scheduled classes on a college campus.

Despite the potential of online learning, online instruction is not simply a traditional class gone digital. The teaching and learning processes of traditional classes needs to be reexamined for online classes, as the technology becomes more widespread. Educators need to …

Moving Students Forward In Spelling, Catherine Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated additional spelling instructional strategies into her current basal program. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of research about methods of spelling instruction and describe strategies that can be incorporated into an existing program to motivate students toward becoming conventional spellers. The article emphasizes the importance of purposeful writing experiences to give students ample opportunities to practice their growing knowledge of spelling.

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Science : A Unit On Frogs For Kindergarten, Ruth Rysta

Graduate Research Papers

Classrooms providing a literature-base program allow children to engage in the language processes and present opportunities for children to create meaning by surrounding them with high-quality literature representative of different genres. Many of the language arts and science processes are related and can be integrated in themes or units to connect children's learning.

A unit on the life cycle of frogs offered kindergarten children a rich learning environment through quality literature and related expressive activities. The literature-base extended to science developed a sense of community, increased science knowledge and connected reading and writing to the science study.

An Overview Of The Nature Of Science For K-12 Science Teachers, William J. Soesbe Iii

Graduate Research Papers

Recent publicity has emphasized the concern of American citizens over student performance in the sciences. In an effort to evaluate one aspect of kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula that may have contributed to this situation, a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the nature of science was developed into a philosophical paper. The findings are synthesized into an analysis of the nature of science that provides a broad outline of the subject and related issues. The nature of science is a way of knowing that when balanced with scientific content and processes aids in the development of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, …

Computer Assisted Instruction: Successmaker™ Reading And Math, Melissa M. Haley

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether the SuccessMaker™ reading and mathematics program being used at Collins-Maxwell Elementary School, Collins, Iowa, has increased the reading and mathematics scores. The elementary classroom teachers, the reading teacher, elementary principal, and two student key informants were all surveyed to obtain their opinions of the SuccessMaker™ program. Survey results indicated that while most of the teachers felt that this program had been beneficial to the students, they did not feel that computer-assisted instruction should replace classroom instruction.

The Need For Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Literacy Among Lower Secondary Students, Sri Kumaran Rajendran

Student Works (2000-2009)

The purpose of this study is to determine the need for ICT literacy among lower secondary students. The study was designed to answer the following objectives: 1) Whether there is any significance difference between the need for a structured ICT syllabus and that of informal learning of ICT through friends, reading materials, parents, CD-ROM, and interest. 2) To gauge the interest shown towards ICT related activities after undergoing structured ICT syllabus. The study focused on two secondary schools in the Petaling District of Selangor. A questionnaire was distributed to a total 300 student from Form One, Two, and Three of …

Sistem Pengajian Bahasa Arab Di Peringkat Thanawi : Suatu Kajian Di Sekolah Dar Al-Huda, Yala, Selatan Thai, Maroseh Niringjuerae

Student Works (2000-2009)

In 1967, Pondok Bukit Gua had been transferred into Islamic private school. It meant that the system of learning of Arabic language was also changed from traditional system into modem system. Traditional system was emphasized on grammar, Nahu and Saraf while modem system was focused on skills including listening, speaking, reading and writing. To conduct this study, the following questions need to be inquired into properly: 1. What kind of system of teaching Arabic practiced by Pondok Darul Huda? 2. Can this pondok produce students who are skillful in using Arabic language? 3. What kind of Arabic subjects are taught? …

Integrating Environmentally Focused Experiential Learning Into The Curriculum: An Interdisciplinary Case Study, Bridget M. Lyons, Marion Calabrese, Teresa Ralabate

WCBT Faculty Publications

This paper details the use of a local environmental issue as a case study for an interdisciplinary project in an Economics and an English course.

College Graduates' Perception Of Placement-Service Impact At Three Selected Institutions Of Higher Education In The Michiana Area, Javan Lukema Ntaganda

Dissertations

Problem. Colleges have established offices of career planning and placement services to advise students who are making decisions concerning their vocational goals and to help graduates secure employment in their field of study. However, despite good intentions and efforts put together by colleges in establishing such offices, one problem still exists and needs to be addressed: It appears that the impact of career planning and placement services is not clearly understood by all potential graduates. There is a need for research to investigate how students perceive services provided by this office.

Method. The study acquired the perceptions of 255 graduates …

A Study Of The Composing Skills Among Learners In A Chinese School, Kam Mee Foo

Student Works (2000-2009)

Composition writing has always been an integral part of the English Language curriculum in all schools. However, after years of practice in writing composition, many of our students are still weak in their composing skills. This study looks into the problems of composition writing among learners in a Chinese school. The instruments used in this study were two sets of questionnaires and to supplement and verify data obtained from questionnaire, structured interviews were conducted and sample of students' marked compositions were collected. Data obtained was analyzed via triangulation. The main findings revealed that there is very little direct teaching of …

Analisis Perbandingan Kandungan Kurikulum Matematik Matrikulasi Dengan Stpm, Abd Wahab Ibarahim

Student Works (2000-2009)

The comparative analysis research on the Mathematics curriculum for the matriculation program and Malaysian Higher School Certificate was conducted with the primary aim of determining whether content coverage and learning experiences provided in the Mathematics curriculum for the matriculation program is sufficient to prepare mathematically competent students for further studies at institutions of higher learning. The research methodology employed in this study was that of content analysis. Samples for the study were the Mathematics syllabus QMO 15, QS025, QS035 and Mathematics Modules QMO 15 and QS025 for the matriculation program, developed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. These materials were …

An Analysis Of Verb Form Errors Of Chinese Esl Students, Yong Meng Kam

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study sets out to investigate the types of errors in the simple past and past progressive tenses found in the written English of 40 Form Four Chinese students of Sek. Men. Tanah Merah Site 'C', Negeri Sembilan. The errors are examined according to Corder's (1981) taxonomy of errors. In the essays, selection errors accounted for the highest percentage of simple past tense errors, followed by addition and then, omission errors. In the past progressive tense, the omission category has the highest occurrence of errors, followed by the selection category with no errors in the addition category. In the structured …

A Study Of The Teaching And Learning Of Literature In Two Form 1 Classes, Zamrudah Ahmad Rashidi

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study explored the process of the recent implementation of the Literature in English component in the Form 1 English Language Syllabus in an attempt to examine the teaching and learning of literature in actual classroom situations. It sought to examine the nature of input by teachers and the uptake by students of typical Literature in English lessons in two Form 1 classes, to obtain feedback on the hands-on implementation of the component so as to inform future effective practice. To be more specific, this study sought to identify the approaches used to teach the selected literary texts as well …

Howard Gardner's Theory Of Multiple Intelligence And The Implications For Gifted Education, Cynthia Fell

Graduate Research Papers

This article, to be submitted to the national journal, Gifted Child Today, explores how Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory (MI) specifically affects the development and delivery of gifted education. Included are discussions of the definitions on MI and giftedness programming and how each approach identification, curriculum and instruction. Three popular gifted education models are viewed through the lens of MI are Autonomous Learner Model (ALM), Talent Identification and Development in Education (TIDE) and Three Ring Conception of Giftedness.

Discussion And Literature Circle Study In The Content Area Classroom, Deborah L. Meade.

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to train content area teachers in the use of literature circles for the content area. A workshop format is used in order to accommodate staff schedules and to include the maximum number of participants possible. The audience for the workshop will be 20-25 secondary content area teachers. A review of the literature concerning content reading, discussion, and literature circles confirmed that the implementation of literature circles would have a positive effect on the content area classroom. Literature circles are an effective method for all disciplines.

Cultural Connection : A Communication Project Designed To Enhance Cultural Awareness And Global Workforce Skills, Devon M. Anderson Winters

Graduate Research Papers

The Cultural Exchange Project was developed to be a collaborative activity that would allow students from a computer applications class in Waterloo, Iowa, to communicate through electronic mail (email), letters, and video with students from a Polish high school. The project was developed to provide cultural awareness, foster international relationships, improve communication skills, and promote technology usage. Students completed various activities to prepare for and enhance this project. These activities included: lessons in "netiquette"; reports on other cultures, and worksheets for sharing personal information. Each student was assigned a partner to communicate with individually through letters and email. The author …

Implementing Portfolio Assessment In Grade Four, Marilyn L. Browder

Graduate Research Papers

Writing is a process. To assess this process, it needs to be described through qualitative techniques. One of these techniques is portfolio collection: Writing · . exhibits, collected over time, can facilitate students' self-reflections on their writing activity, interests, progress, and instructional needs. Such a collection is also valuable evidence for teachers in planning and maintaining their language programs and in reporting to caregivers.

This project involved the implementation of portfolio assessment in grade four by a first-year teacher. Through portfolio collection, the teacher as well as the students received much information that promoted writing and led to much interest …