Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Disrupting The Status Quo: The Action Research Dissertation As A Transformative Strategy, Margaret Grogan, Joe Donaldson, Juanita Simmons

CGU Faculty Publications and Research

Summary: As a contribution to the lively debate that has been recently spawned among scholars about leadership preparation embedded in doctoral studies, this chapter explores the relationship between the current conception of the quality practitioner of educational leadership and the usefulness of learning how to conduct action research. The first section describes the quality practitioner and shows how various theories lend themselves to this concept. Building on the theoretical underpinnings for the very practical work of educational leadership, the second section offers a brief discussion of the background and development of action research. In the third section, we consider the …

Changing Learning, Changing Roles: Collaboration At Every Angle, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

When I look out into this audience I see a room of campus leaders – by the very nature of our professional expertise and training. I see generalists who think broadly about student learning – who see the connections between disciplines as well as between research and teaching – and between learning that happens within the classroom and external to it. I see organized, articulate, service oriented professionals who know how to facilitate – who are committed to group process – who are task oriented – product driven – and creative. I see strong collaborators – that’s why I want …

“Like Produces Like”: John Heyl Vincent And His 19th Century Theory Of Character Education, Catherine Ganiere, Scott L. Howell, Richard Osguthorpe

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

An examination of late 19th century writings about character development by popular educator and revered Methodist bishop John Heyl Vincent (1832–1920) sheds additional insight on early character education theory. Vincent is best known as the cofounder of the Chautauqua movement in 1874. However, his theoretical constructs for character development merit not only acknowledgment in the discipline’s official history but also further investigation and discussion by today’s scholars. The constructs identified from early writings suggest that effective character education occurs in both the home and the school and requires parents and teachers who model good moral character. This article posits the …

Use Of Web-Based Technology To Enhance Instruction Of Virginia's Seventh And Eighth Grade Geometry Standards Of Learning., Lisa Ann Fields

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to develop web-based modules for enhancing instruction of the geometry sections of the Virginia Standards of Learning in the seventh and eighth grades. While all of Virginia's seventh and eighth grade Standards of Learning strands are certainly worthy of these types of modules, geometry appeals to me most because of the vast amount of web-based resources that will be valuable when organized into modules. It is my hope that teachers of these grades will find this useful in their instruction of geometry.

An Exploratory Study Into The Efficacy Of Learning Objects, Nicholas W. Farha

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Learning objects have very quickly become a widely accepted mode ur instructional technology. particularly in on-line and co111pu1cr-hasL'd k·mning environments; and Ihey are also gaining m:ceptance in hybrid and traditional classroom enviro11111ents as well. But do they really work? That is. do they impn)\'c learning outcomes? While there is a substantial body or literature rnnccrninμ learn int! oh,iL'L'ls. Il1L' literature is sparse in regard to the question or efficacy. This research investigated the effectiveness or learning objects hy cornparinμ learning owcomes (perl'ormam:c on a problem-solving task) using a learning object, wilh outcomes achieved via a traditional textbook-based delivery or instruction. …

The Framework For Early Learning: A Background Paper:Children's Early Learning And Development Executive Summary, Geraldine French

Reports

This is the Executive Summary of the background paper Children’s early learning and development, sets out the theory and research underpinning children’s early learning and development in the Framework for Early Learning. The paper essentially responds to the question - how should we envision and understand the child as a young learner? The paper begins by outlining the context for early childhood care and education in Ireland by referring to our economic and social climate, the increasingly multicultural nature of society and relevant legislation and policy. Drawing on centuries of research, the modern day view of the child is one …

No Child's Intelligence Left Behind: The Impact Of Instrumental Enrichment Training On Teacher Belief Systems, Jeanne Marie Zehr

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods research project provided quantitative and qualitative assessments on the impact of Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment (F.I.E.) training on the belief systems of American educators, specifically on the extent of belief in the modifiability of intelligence. The two-way ANOVA conducted for the quantitative research portion of the study compared the results of five groups of educators with various training experiences with Instrumental Enrichment. The second independent variable, years of experience in teaching, had three levels: 0 to 5, 6 to 30, and 31 +. The dependent variable consisted of epistemological belief in learning ability on a continuum from na'ive …

Web-Based Language Portfolios And The Five C'S: Implementation In Intermediate- And Advanced-Level Foreign Language College Classrooms, Jane Blyth Warren

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Web-based portfolios serve as authentic assessment in the foreign language curriculum when organized around the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning. Portfolios align curriculum and assessment with the standards, ensuring that student learning and progress follow these standards. Web-based portfolios enhance student learning by integrating the learning of culture with the learning of the target language. In web-based language portfolios, students create individual web pages for each of the standards. These standards were developed as guidelines for the teaching of foreign language and culture in the United States. Questions for this study included whether students perceived that web-based language portfolios …

Effect Of Movement Activities On Student Engagement: A Handbook Of Movement Activities For Elementary Teachers, Leanne Kaye Procter

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid teachers in the incorporation of movement activities in the elementary classroom. The activities can be done between lessons or between long periods of focus. The activities will help to gain attention and engagement of students. The activities in the handbook are to be used as a supplement to any existing elementary curriculum. The handbook consists of seventy-eight activities that may be used in a variety of classroom settings. Current literature and research surrounding the topics of engagement, stimulation, retention, and the importance of movement for adolescents were explored.

A Collaborative Voyage To Improve Students' Career Information Literacy, Angela Farrar, Lateka Grays, Diane Vanderpol, Amanda Cox

Library Faculty Research

Librarians, a member of the Hotel College faculty, and a member of the Career Services staff at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas collaborated in the design, implementation and evaluation of a non-traditional research assignment asking students to demonstrate real world information literacy skills.

Session attendees will explore the process by which the traditional librarian-teaching faculty member collaboration grew into a richer project involving a non-traditional partnering. Attendees will be guided through a discussion on levels of collaboration and an audit of potential non-traditional partner opportunities at their own institutions.

Attendees will examine the product of this partnership: an assignment …

A Study To Ascertain The Effects Of The Connected Mathematics Project On Student Achievement In The Buffalo Public Schools, Darryl A. King

Mathematics Education Theses

This study examines the impact of The Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) on student achievement in the Buffalo School District. Student scores were compared for the Grade 8 2005 and 2006 NY State Assessments and the Grade 7 2006 NY State Assessment. Students taught with NY State Math Standards were the control group. Students taught with CMP curriculum were the experimental group. This study found mixed results in favor of the standards group.

Interactive And Textbook Lessons In Science Instruction: Combining Strategies To Engage Students In Learning, Christina Puentes

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Students in elementary classrooms are not receiving science instruction that is engaging and challenging. The review of the literature indicates that the way that the information is presented has more of an impact on the students than simply whether they comprehend the information. Studies show that hands-on science instruction allows success beyond the classroom, hands-on activities excite students about leaning and science in general, and that the hands-on activities create confidence in the children. Research also indicates that students who receive textbook based lessons earn scores similar to students who learn through hands-on lessons. This study explores the effects of …

Standards Of Best Practices Environmental Education & Interpretation Professionals, Dan Allison, Katharine August, Allison Brody, Margie Klein, Amy Page, Michelle Riter, Athena Sparks, Dan Wegner

Education about the Environment

This document provides guidelines about the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective Environmental Education and Interpretation (EE&I) experiences in the state of Nevada. Effective experiences not only further the mission of the organization but also inspire understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of Southern Nevada’s environment.

Standards of Best Practices for Nevada Environmental Education & Interpretation (NEE&I) Professionals is a guide for providers working at public lands, nature centers, museums, zoos, aquaria, schools, and all nature and heritage-rich places. It is designed to help NEE&I providers develop and implement the highest quality experiences for all possible audiences. It is a tool …

Strengthening The Precalculus Bridge: Enhancing The Precalculus Student's Understanding Of Tangents To Conics, Biquadratic Equations, And Maxima And Minima, Dinah Lynn Deford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many students face tremendous difficulty in high school and/or college level calculus courses. The author hopes that by introducing students to the following nontraditional three topics prior to calculus, students' understanding of calculus will be enhanced. This thesis focuses on the following topics:

• Tangent Lines to Conics
• Maxima and Minima
• Biquadratic Equations

Because these topics are not generally covered in precalculus courses, there are several possible uses for them. An instructor could use the material as:

• An added classroom resource
• Project assignments for outside classroom study
• A student resource for precalculus advanced studies, or
• An independent study

This thesis assumes …

A Museum-Based Curriculum For Middle School Students In New York City, Nayantara Mhatre

Graduate Student Independent Studies

India Inquiry is a museum-based curriculum designed for middle school students in New York City. The curriculum is organized by the following themes: Geography, Wildlife, Culture and Crafts, and Religion. Within each theme there is one out-of-classroom trip, including three visits to the American Museum of Natural History, and one to the Ganesh Temple in Flushing, Queens. In addition there are seven lessons that compliment and support the organized field trips.

The curriculum was developed to appeal to the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of students emerging from the latency period of late childhood and approaching early adolescence.

India Inquiry …

"That's Your Mother?!" : The Power Of Experience : Reflections And Lessons In Identity, Adrienne Lee

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Documents the creation of a student gallery program for the "Kip Fulbeck: Part Asian, 100% Hapa" exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, CA). The gallery program focuses on the nature of identity and the many factors that make us who we are as individuals. This study employs both learning and human development theories, methods of phenomenology and heuristics, and the author's own biracial experiences and collected reflections to find meaning and project solutions.

Are Teens Able To Articulate A Biblical Understanding Of Christianity?, Sheila L. Bruns

Master of Education Program Theses

The following study uses previous research about the religious and spiritual lives of American adolescents and their beliefs about the Christian faith to survey teenagers at a mid-western, Christian high school. The survey is given to find out what our young people know to be true about Christianity and if they can accurately articulate their beliefs based on Scripture and reinforced in the Heidelberg Catechism.

According to the research, the students surveyed are receiving the information they need to articulate a biblical definition of Christianity. They do, however, have their strengths and weaknesses. The weakest areas would be in the …

The Rhode Map To Success: The Exploratory Student’S Guide To Choosing An Undergraduate Major, Kaitlin O'Hara

Senior Honors Projects

Entering college without a major has become more prevalent over the past decade. Colleges and universities are opening their arms to the undecided, providing them with extensive resources and assistance to help direct them to a major and, ultimately, a career. The University of Rhode Island has admitted an increasing number of undeclared incoming freshmen over the past few years. This fall semester, approximately fifteen percent of freshman class did not declare a major prior to starting classes. This percentage of students represents a very special group at the University College. The undecided academic advisors at the University College developed …

Partners With A Vision: Librarians And Faculty Collaborate To Develop A Library Orientation Program At A Non-Traditional Campus, Jo Anne Bryant, Alyssa Martin, Jana J. Slay

The Southeastern Librarian

In Fall 2004, the Chair of the Department of Communication and Fine Arts was charged with customizing the TROY University Orientation course (TROY 1101) curriculum and activities for the Montgomery Campus student population. After talking with the Montgomery Campus library director about the need for including a comprehensive library component, the Chair began working with two librarians to create a library orientation component for TROY 1101, a one-semester hour course that would be required for all new and transfer students effective Fall Semester 2005.

Entrepreneurial Career Development: Using Human Capital, Social Capital, And Distance Education To Achieve Success, Connie I. Reimers-Hild, Susan Fritz, James W. King

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Faculty and Staff Publications

Individuals, especially women, must be increasingly entrepreneurial in the twenty-first century in order to achieve success. It is also important for women to take an entrepreneurial approach to career development. The first key component of an entrepreneurial approach to career development is investing in human capital. Continuous investment in human capital increases earning power, opens doors to professional opportunities, and contributes to career advancement. The second key component of an entrepreneurial approach to career development is investing in social capital. Women can increase their chances for professional success by developing networks that connect them to key individuals, assignments, and resources …

Situating The Georgia Performance Standards In The Social Studies Debate: An Improvement For Social Studies Classrooms Or Continuing The Whitewash, Michael K. Barbour, Mark Evans, Jason Ritter

Education Faculty Publications

After approximately two decades of using the Quality Core Curriculum, in 2005 the State of Georgia began the process of implementing the new Georgia Performance Standard. In this article the authors examine the strengths and weaknesses of this new curriculum, along with the proposed model of implementation. In this examination, the authors will attempt to situate both the standards and their implementation within the current political struggle over curriculum in the United States.

Preservice And K–12 Inservice Teachers' Perceptions Of Appropriateness Of Teacher Self-Disclosure And Its Teaching Effectiveness, Shaoan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

Situating teacher self-disclosure within a curriculum and instruction context, this research explored preservice and K-12 inservice teachers' perceptions of appropriateness of teacher self-disclosure and its teaching effectiveness as a component of the informal curriculum as well as an instructional tool. The following research questions were explored: (1) Is there any difference among preservice teachers and K-12 inservice teachers in their perceptions of appropriateness of teacher self-disclosure? (2) Is there any difference between preservice teachers and K-12 inservice teachers in their perceptions of appropriateness of teacher self-disclosure? (3) Is there any difference among K-12 inservice teachers in their application of teacher …

Curricular Satisfaction Levels Of Nata Accredited Post-Professional Athletic Training Graduates, Kevin J. Henry

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the overall satisfaction levels of recent graduates (2005 - 2006) of NATA-Accredited Post-Professional Graduate Athletic Training Education Programs as related to the 2002 Standards and Guidelines for Graduate Education. An electronic survey was developed by the researchers to gather demographic data about the subjects, and to assess their level of satisfaction with various curricular areas of their graduate program using a combination of open and closed-ended questions. A listing of the names of the graduates of the twelve programs from May 2005-May 2006 was generated, and these subjects were emailed a letter …

Library Tools For Connecting With The Curriculum: How To Create A Professional Development Workshop For Teaching Faculty, Sonya S. Shepherd, Debra Skinner, Robert W. Fernekes

Georgia Library Quarterly

The article focuses on ways taken by librarians in linking library tools with the faculty curriculum in Georgia. It states that librarians Sonya Shepherd, Debra Skinner and Bob Fernekes from Zach S. Henderson Library have formed a team that would push students into library resources required by their faculty. It also mentions the creation of linking tools tutorials to improve student and faculty use of the resources.

Unlv Magazine, Grace Russell, Gian Galassi, Shane Bevell, Karyn S. Hollingsworth, Jennifer Lawson, Lori Bachand, Cate Weeks, Erin O'Donnell, Peter Starkweather

UNLV Magazine

No abstract provided.

Making Sense: Reflections On Developing A Social Studies Curriculum For Five- And Six-Year-Olds, Anne Tobias

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper is a reflection on the writing of a social studies curriculum for five and six-year-olds-a study of a neighborhood construction site. It examines the way in which one teacher's commitment to offering children meaningful content evolved into the formulation of her educational philosophy, as influenced by such progressive educators as John Dewey, Lucy Sprague Mitchell, and Caroline Pratt.

Part One of the thesis is divided into three major sections. The first consists of a developmental overview of five- and six-year-olds. The second describes the connections between understandings of basic child development, understandings of a particular group of children, …

Teaching Outbreak Preparedness In The Emergency Medicine Clerkship: An Innovative Approach, Larissa S. May

E-Learning Modules

Clinicians should be competent at contagious disease outbreak detection and management. Given the threat of emerging infectious diseases and biowarfare, there is a need to develop instructional methods on these topics. We have created a case-based exercise addressing sentinel case recognition, reporting, and containment. The workshop, conducted for medical students during their emergency medicine clerkship, incorporates the core competencies of systems-based practice, practice-based learning, and patient care. The workshop is held in a hospital conference room with the availability of internet, telephone, and other resources, simulating "real life." A hypothetical case of Ebola presenting to an emergency department is outlined. …

Tigers, Wolves, And Moose, Oh My: Challenges And Opportunities For Promoting Undergraduate Research In Environmental Studies With Gis, Philip J. Nyhus, F Russell Cole, David H. Firmage

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

A Dynamic Professional Development School Partnership In Science Education, Lawrence C. Scharmann

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

The author describes the evolution of a traditional on-campus secondary science methods course into a dynamic field- and campus-based professional development school collaboration. Whereas science teaching methods were taught in an isolated and independent course, they are now integrated within an interdependent experiential semester that carefully integrates teaching methods, professional seminars, interpersonal relations, classroom management, reading strategies, and multicultural education into a dynamic field-based curriculum for preservice teachers. A faculty team from the Kansas State University (KSU) Department of Secondary Education conducted a series of meetings to establish a collaborative climate in which to investigate the benefits of simultaneous reform …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, David Ashley, Grace Russell, Lisa Shawcroft

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.