Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

The Influence Of Teacher Gender On College Student Motivation And Engagement In An Online Environment, Zacharia Jacob Varughese

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of teacher gender on student motivation and engagement. The study addressed the question: Is there a statistical difference among the motivation and engagement scores of males taught by male teachers (MM), males taught by female teachers (MF), females taught by male teachers (FM), and females taught by female teachers (FF) enrolled in online science courses? Exploring this topic allowed educators to identify strategies for quality teaching and learning, increase graduation rates, and decrease student delinquency. This quantitative study used a causal-comparative research design and the Motivation and Engagement Scale (MES) …

Teacher Experiences In Elementary Word Study Instruction: A Phenomenological Study, Gregory Mihalik

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of integrating word study spelling programs for second grade teachers across six elementary schools in Northern Virginia. Word study is a developmental spelling approach that can be used by teachers to differentiate instruction and meet student needs. Despite the growing popularity of the program and increased classroom application, many schools nationwide continue to use memory-based traditional methods. Based on a review of the word study literature, the study sought to describe the experience of second grade teachers implementing word study spelling instruction in their classrooms. This study explored the …

Comparing Traditional And Year-Round Academic Calendars In Regard To Student Achievement In Two Virginia High Schools: Is There A Difference?, Gregory Morin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined possible differences between a traditional and a year-round academic calendar with regard to student achievement in two suburban high schools in northern Virginia. This study’s importance derives from the fact that additional exploration is needed in order to more fully explore the potential loss of learned knowledge and diminished retention and recall of instructional material in students who experience an extended summer vacation period as part of a traditional school calendar. The purpose of this non-experimental, ex post facto, causal-comparative study was to test the theory of German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus, called the spacing effect as it …

Teach Me The Write Way: A Multiple Case Study Exploring The Impact Of Homeschooling On The Formation Of Writing Self-Efficacy, Katherine Todd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore the impact of a homeschooling context on the formation of writing self-efficacy among adolescent students. The formation of self-efficacy beliefs was defined according to Bandura’s four theoretical sources: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and physiological state. Thus, this study sought to investigate the following central question: What impact does a homeschooling context have on the formation of writing self-efficacy among adolescent students? And its related sub-questions: How are Bandura’s theoretical sources of self-efficacy evidenced in the formation of homeschooled adolescents’ writing self-efficacy? How do the instructional practices of homeschooling …

Teacher Perceptions Of The Impact Of Self-Efficacy On Classroom Management Style: A Case Study, Patty Mccain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to develop an understanding of how current and former middle school teachers in a suburban school district in northeast Georgia perceive low self-efficacy impacts their classroom management style. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy theory as it supported the idea that self-efficacy can determine how one approaches a task, goals, or challenges. Data were collected using a survey, interviews, questionnaires, direct observations, and a focus group. A collective case study approach was used to conduct a holistic analysis to provide detailed descriptions of the themes and patterns that exist …

A Phenomenological Study Of The Impact Of The South Carolina U.S. History End Of Course Exam On High School Teachers' Perceptions Of Autonomy And Self-Efficacy, Debra Whitmore

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to describe the impact of the South Carolina U.S. History End of Course Exam (EOCE) on teachers’ perceptions of autonomy and self-efficacy for high school U.S. History teachers in the Midlands region of South Carolina. The theory guiding this study was Bandura’s (1994) theory of self-efficacy as it explained the relationship between self-efficacy and effectiveness. There were 12 participants in this study who shared the lived experience of the U.S. History EOCE and related policies. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group interviews, and relevant documents. The data were analyzed through …

Effects Of The Afterschool Program On Student Achievement Of Students With Disabilities In A Rural Georgia Middle School, Constance Franklin

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental causal comparative research study is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in reading and math achievement as measured by the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students with disabilities (SWD) who attended the afterschool program of one rural Georgia middle school when compared to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade SWD who did not attend the program. The results of this research are important because they will identify practices used in the specified afterschool program to improve the academic achievement of SWD. A quantitative research method using …

Pulling The Plug On Microscopes In The Anatomy And Physiology Laboratory, Zvi Ostrin, Vyacheslav Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Virtual microscopy (VM) has been widely available for more than a decade, especially in clinical settings and medical schools. In recent years the movement away from conventional optical microscopy (OM) and towards VM has been accelerating and several VM websites are now available online and readily accessible to educators. VM can enhance the instructor’s ability to teach the histology component of anatomy and physiology classes, facilitate student learning, save time for both students and instructors, and ultimately save money that can be more productively used for other facets of the laboratory. The many pedagogical and practical advantages provided by VM …

Students To Computer Ratio, Socioeconomic Status, And Student Achievement, Jessica W. Cate

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between the students to computer ratio and 6^th grade student achievement in Math and Reading during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years as compared by socioeconomic status at each of 562 schools in Tennessee. The independent variables in the study were the ratio of students to computer (low/middle/high), the change in ratio of students to computer from 2013-2014 to 2014-2015, and socioeconomic status (low/non-low). The dependent variables in the study were 6^th grade mean Reading scores for 2014-2015, 6^th grade mean Reading gain scores …

Blended Learning In The Spanish Classroom, Stacy Hauschildt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Since the inclusion of 21st century skills in education standards, technology inclusion in the classroom has moved to the forefront as numerous districts across the country have gone 1:1 in order to better prepare students for the future. While blended learning, a mix of face to face and instructional technology use, has been primarily used at the university setting for distance classes, there has been a growing call from administration to included more blended practices into the secondary classroom. This action research project, given in a Spanish II high school classroom, looked at including student choice in pace, path and …

Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition In Middle School: An Examination Of Three Instructional Conditions, David B. Lee

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The importance of vocabulary knowledge gained through incidental learning is well documented. The growth of incidental vocabulary knowledge is especially crucial for middle school students due to the complex words encountered in their studies. However, research on incidental vocabulary acquisition for middle school students is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of three instructional conditions (reading, writing, and reading and writing) on incidental vocabulary acquisition and retention with middle school students in an English as a first language (L1) environment.

In this within subjects repeated measure study, 263 eighth-grade participants received treatment in three …

A Comparison Of Complex Thinking Required By The Middle School New Jersey Student Learning Standards And Past New Jersey Curriculum Standards, Clifford R. Burns

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Learning standards define what knowledge and skills students need to master in order to be prepared for college and careers. The acquisition of knowledge and skills is essential for the 21st century learner as students are required to think, problem solve, create, and communicate for future employers. The best 21st century learning standards are those that provide the opportunity to develop complex thinking skills including creativity, strategic thinking, and critical thinking. This dissertation sought to examine the cognitive complexity of the newly adopted New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in Grades 6–8 mathematics as compared to the cognitive complexity of …

Former Students Discuss Middle School Science Journalism : A Qualitative Study Of Personally Meaningful Disciplinary Writing., Marsha R. Buerger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative research study explores the experiences of six middle school students with science news writing (SciJourn) after they have transitioned to high school. The qualitative method of case study was used with the data analyzed through the method of constructivist grounded theory. SciJourn is a disciplinary approach to science literacy that allows students to choose and research their own topic, interact with experts in the field, construct their own knowledge, and have the opportunity to publish in an on-line science newspaper (Scijourner.org). Theoretically, this research draws on science as social practice where literacy learning is cognitively complex, is situated …

The Introductory Geoscience Experience: A Study Of Undergraduate Attitudes And Engagement At Suny Buffalo State, Heather J. Mccarthy

Multidisciplinary Studies Theses

Educational priorities in STEM at the undergraduate level include sparking leadership and innovation in emerging and rapidly changing fields and educating a scientifically literate populace. These priorities depend on the nature and quality of the undergraduate educational experience (NSF IUSE Program, 2015). This study focuses on investigating student attitudes and department engagement with the resulting data offering a snapshot of student interests, values, and resource awareness.

During the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters, 359 students studying Introductory Geology, Introductory Geology Lab, Introductory Astronomy, or The Solar System and two professors who taught those classes were asked to take part …

Impact Of Integrated Science And English Language Arts Literacy Supplemental Instructional Intervention On Science Academic Achievement Of Elementary Students, Jamar Marks

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quasi-experimental, nonequivalent pretest-posttest control group design study was to determine if any differences existed in upper elementary school students’ science academic achievement when instructed using an 8-week integrated science and English language arts literacy supplemental instructional intervention in conjunction with traditional science classroom instruction as compared to when instructed using solely traditional science classroom instruction. The targeted sample population consisted of fourth-grade students enrolled in a public elementary school located in the southeastern region of the United States. The convenience sample size consisted of 115 fourth-grade students enrolled in science classes. The pretest and posttest academic …

Setting The Standard For Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach To Rigorous Classroom Instruction, Michael Dias, Laurie Brantley-Dias

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.

Creating Cultures Of Thinking: The 8 Forces We Must Master To Truly Transform Our Schools, Sharon F. Dole

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.

Pedagogía De Base Local [Place-Based Education], Gregory A. Smith

Summer Institute June 2019

La pedagogía de base local se centra en el desarrollo y la instrucción curriculares que dirigen la atención de los estudiantes hacia la cultura, los fenómenos y las cuestiones locales como base de al menos parte del aprendizaje que adquirirían en la escuela. También se la conoce en inglés por el equivalente a «educación fundamentada en el lugar y en la comunidad», o como «aprendizaje consciente del lugar». Además de preparar a los estudiantes académicamente, los maestros que adoptan este método de enseñanza lo presentan de una forma íntimamente ligada tanto a la protección del medio ambiente como al desarrollo …

Aligning The Curriculums For College Success: High School And College Library Collaborations, Carl R. Andrews, Dickens Saint Hilaire

Publications and Research

Many students enter college lacking the necessary research and critical thinking skills needed for academic success. A strong body of literature shows evidence that information literacy instruction at the secondary level enhances college readiness in freshman students. The authors discuss the importance of collaborative curriculum development and the role academic libraries play in supporting college readiness. The research will review and cite successful high school and college partnerships, curriculum development initiatives, secondary information literacy instruction, and teacher professional development. The utilization of select library databases as a tool to promote college readiness is also discussed.

Internationalizing The Curriculum, Isabel Scarborough Ph.D., Sarah Grison

Global Studies Initiatives in Social Sciences Pilot Project

This interactive presentation describes the experiences of faculty in the anthropology and sociology departments, along with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Parkland College, as they redesign courses to incorporate more international research and resources. The slides also discuss approaches to instructional design that are quick and easy and provide practical resources and tools to help design or re-design curriculum.

How To Merge Courses Via Skype™? Lessons From An International Blended Learning Project, Yasemin Akbaba, Filiz Başkan

Political Science Faculty Publications

This study reports on an international project in which students taking the course Contemporary Issues in Turkish Politics in spring 2011 and fall 2011 at two institutions of higher education, ‘Gettysburg College’ in the United States and ‘Izmir University of Economics’ in Turkey, worked together in virtual learning environments to complete various tasks as part of their course work. The project employed a blend of traditional and technology-based teaching methods in order to introduce a technology like Skype in a bi-national learning environment in Turkey. Students collaborated and interacted with their international counterparts in two different virtual contexts. First, classrooms …

Multilingual Literacies: Invisible Representation Of Literacy In A Rural Classroom, Lydiah Kananu Kiramba

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

In many countries, educational policies typically mandate school activities that promote a homogeneous and narrow range of academic literacies for all learners despite the diverse nature of human learning. This ethnographic case study examines how a 12-year-old Kenyan fourth-grade student performing below average on all standardized tests used multiple invisible literacies while documenting his knowledge and life experiences in a rural context. Invisible literacies are covert meaning- making literacy practices that are not privileged in the classroom. Examination of these practices shows a convergence between school and home literacies, suggesting a need for education stakeholders to identify literacies that are …

Critical Autobiography As Research, Anthony Walker

The Qualitative Report

Identity is a reflection of how people view themselves within the social structure (Campbell, 2010; Hill & Thomas, 2000). Too often these identities are mirror images of normalized labels and affiliations defined by, and through, social norms and values. Introspective of social constructs and teachings of normalcy, often times one’s identity and status is never questioned (Ramsey, 2004). Juxtaposing systemic thinking with personal knowledge, this article offers insights into the uses and contributions of critical autobiographical research as a both paradigm of research and practice. This article seeks to link the application of critical autobiography with educational practice and theory …

The Basic Course In Communication, Media Literacy, And The College Curriculum, Evelyn M. Ramsey

Journal of Media Literacy Education

V Various authors make excellent suggestions about the inclusion of public address, civility critical communication pedagogy and social justice into the basic course in communication studies. Media literacy pedagogy encourages students to actively and critically consider the messages they send and receive, critically assess all forms of communication, be encouraged to engage more actively with governmental affairs, understand the role of media and other messages in the construction of their own identities, and more effectively understand the role of values, standpoints, beliefs, etc. on their communication choices, as well as on those of others. However, the National Communication Association does …

Measuring Media Literacy For Media Education: Development Of A Questionnaire For Teachers' Competencies, Mathea Simons, Wil Meeus, Jan T'Sas

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Effective media education requires that teachers dispose of sufficient media literacy and that they have the competencies to promote media literacy in students. This article describes the development of a questionnaire to measure these competencies individually or as a team. The questionnaire was developed in five stages. A systematic and critical listing of existing inventories resulted in a preliminary questionnaire. In the final stage, the questionnaire was submitted to a representative sample of 454 teachers and 219 student teachers, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The results show that the questionnaire is sufficiently valid and reliable.

News Media Literacy And Political Engagement: What’S The Connection?, Seth Ashley, Adam Maksl, Stephanie Craft

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Scholars and educators have long hoped that media education is positively related to pro-social goals such as political and civic engagement. With a focus on measuring news media literacy with emphasis on media knowledge, need for cognition and media locus of control, this study surveyed 537 college students and found positive relationships between news media literacy and two political engagement measures: current events knowledge and internal political efficacy. Findings show that news media literacy is not associated with political activity, although some dimensions of news media literacy are associated with lower levels of political trust. Results help to define significant …

Critical Media Literacies In The Twenty-First Century: Writing Autoethnographies, Making Connections, And Creating Virtual Identities, Ah-Young Song

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Critical media literacies can help nurture students’ creative agencies and engender positive, sustained change in local communities. Kellner and Share (2005) have noted that students do need to develop faculties with digital technologies but that they must also participate in critical readings of cultural artifacts and discriminate between various multimedia sources. It is important for youth to conceptualize language as perpetuating different kinds of ideologies, for viewpoints are “connected to negotiable, changeable, and sometimes contested stories, histories, knowledge, beliefs, and values encapsulated into cultural models (theories) about the world” (Gee, 2008, p. 29). Semiotic meanings are in constant flux due …

Towards A Culturally Inclusive, Integrated, And Transdisciplinary Media Education Curriculum— A Case Study Of An International Ma Program At The University Of Lapland, Päivi M. Rasi, Heli Ruokamo, Mari Maasilta

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Internationalization presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education policies and curricula, as well as for teaching and learning methods. This article describes and discusses ongoing exploration and development of the planned curriculum of the MA in Media Education at the Faculty of Education at the University of Lapland, Finland in terms of cultural inclusion and the integration of disciplines. The study concludes that the planned curriculum now includes new content that better supports cultural inclusion. Nevertheless, it was established that several steps are needed to move toward a more inter- and even transdisciplinary media education higher education curriculum.

In Memoriam: Elizabeth Thoman, Renee Hobbs

Journal of Media Literacy Education

No abstract provided.

Making Pictures, Writing About Pictures, Discussing Pictures And Lecture-Discussion As Teaching Methods In Art History, Jari M. Martikainen

Art History Pedagogy & Practice

This article discusses making pictures, writing about pictures, discussing pictures, and lecture-discussion as methods of teaching art history in Finnish Upper Secondary Vocational Education and Training (Qualification in Visual Expression, Study Programmes in Visual and Media Art Photography). A total of 25 students majoring in Visual Expression participated in the research by studying art history using picture-based–visual and verbal–methods and reflecting on their learning experiences. This article introduces the concept of ‘contextual subject-related didactics,’ by which conceptions of contemporary art history, together with the objectives and aims of the curriculum, guide the choice of teaching methods. The article argues that …