Educational Methods Commons^™

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness: Developing Phonemic Awareness In First Grade Students Through A Backpacking Program, Shannon Kaye Sanger

All Graduate Projects

The role of phonemic awareness in beginning reading acquisition was researched. Studies suggested that the presence of phonemic awareness in young children facilitates learning to read. Research also suggested a positive relationship between parental involvement and reading acquisition. A handbook containing activities designed for use in a backpacking program was created. The activities involve parents in developing phonemic awareness in their children. These activities are to be sent home with students and completed with the assistance of their parents. The handbook also contains assessments and instructions for teachers regarding the implementation of this backpacking program.

Curriculum To Help Teachers Support Student's Development Of Writing Strategies, Christine Elizabeth English

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to create a curriculum that can be used to support students as they develop writing strategies. Current literature and research on the writing process and writers' workshop is explored. The project describes procedures, methods, and activities used to develop the curriculum. The project makes use of the Washington State Essential Leaming Requirements. The project explores use of the curriculum that was developed and how it can be adapted to meet individual needs.

Developing Reading Skills Through The Use Of Music, Toni Baffaro Hobbs

All Graduate Projects

Music is a powerful language that can enhance a classroom. This project was designed to support early literacy by using music. Songs were chosen and activities designed to supplement a beginning reading program. A compact disc of the songs was created to use in conjunction with the activities. It is hoped that the utilization of singing and reading together will not only help children learn to read but also foster a love for reading.

Learning Esl Through Dialogue Journal Writing : A Case Study Of A Form Five Esl Student, Fong Say Foo

Student Works (2000-2009)

In recent times dialogue journal writing has been used as a learning strategy to support ESL learning. It is premised on the view that learning is a collaborative venture between a teacher and a student. It adopts a social constructivist perspective that learning is facilitated by the presence of a more capable person providing assistance to the learner. Unlike the personal journal which involves private communication, dialogue journal evolves from the authenticity of partners, typically the teacher and student, engaging in an extended two-way written interaction in which there is real exchange of information. The act of interacting in writing …

Cultural Factors Affecting English Proficiency In Rural Areas, Chop Ler Ee

Student Works (2000-2009)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the rural 'cultural' problems and to determine their effect on the learning of English. Twenty students from different ethnic backgrounds and English language proficiency in six rural schools were interviewed. In addition, ten teachers also from different rural schools and ethnic backgrounds responded to a questionnaire. The problems discussed by both the teacher and student respondents arose due to the rural cultural setting. The findings of this study show that i) five major problem areas exist, namely peer pressure and motivation, attitudes towards English, teaching methodology, school culture, influence of Islamic teaching …

The Use Of Social Language Learning Strategies In A Literature-Based Form 4 Esl Class, Ramanathan Thayalini

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study was carried out in an all girls secondary school in urban Kuala Lumpur called Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Puteri Anggerik. The purpose of the study was to explore and compare the social language learning strategies used in group work between two groups of learners with varying levels of proficiency in a literature-based Form 4 ESL Class. Three dimensions of social language learning strategies which is asking questions, cooperating with others and empathising with others were examined in this study. Ten focal informants were selected for this study. Five were fairly proficient students and another five of low proficiency. A …

The Use Of Motivational Techniques In Improving Reading Skills, Puteri Rohani Megat Abdul Rahim

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study explores the role of motivational techniques in improving college students' reading skills. The study employed an experimental design involving an experimental and a control group. A Pretest and a Posttest as well as an Index of Reading Awareness (IRA) were used to gather data for the study. Two c lasses consisting of 52 students of similar English language ability were randomly selected and taught by two different teachers. The Experimental group was exposed to selected motivational techniques in the reading classroom while the Control group received no instruction in motivational techniques during reading instruction. The Pretest, Posttest and …

Navigating The Reading Maze: Family Involvement Activities To Help Your Second Grade Child In The Cle Elum-Roslyn School District Become A Better Reader, Rita Mariposa Kretschman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a partnership with the author's students and their parents in the area of reading. This project is the development of a parent handbook with state and district reading frameworks as well as a curricular project for home use. Activities and strategies suggested are the same as those used within the author's classroom.

Repeated Reading: Using Audiotaped Books And Activities To Help At-Risk Readers, Wendy S. Stover

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine whether repeated reading with an audio model would significantly supplement the literacy instruction of atrisk readers. Research related to reading practice, the relationship between fluency and reading development, and repeated reading was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between repeated reading and reading growth (i.e., fluency and comprehension) was indicated from this review. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for using repeated reading with at-risk readers. A manual containing a teacher's guide on repeated reading with an audio model and related literacy activities was created.

Foreign Language Students' Perceptions Of Instructional Techniques That Promote Language Learning, Angelia J. Clark-Ridgway

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine student perceptions of instructional techniques that promote language learning. The intent of this study was to inform practice for current and future foreign language teachers. Constant comparative analysis was selected to co11ect, codify and analyze the data. Data for this study was supplied through interviews with advanced level foreign language students from throughout central Indiana, citations from expe1t sources and insights from the researcher's nine years of foreign language teaching expe1icnce. Eight major themes emerged: Initial language learning, Instructional games, Classroom atmosphere, Class comradery, Spoken language, Written language, Assessment and Cultural understanding. …

Phonological Awareness Activities For The Elementary Classroom, Susan Diane Au

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a manual for teachers to guide decision making about how and when to include phonological awareness instruction in the elementary classroom. The manual includes assessments and sample activities to facilitate acquisition of phonological awareness. Activities were designed based on research which suggests that phonological awareness be taught in the following order: rhymes & alliteration, oddity tasks, blend & split syllables, phonological segmentation, and phoneme manipulation. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 19 first graders in the last quarter of the school year.

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.

Daily Journal Writing In The Early Childhood Classroom, Kristin Fisher

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook to assist teachers who wish to use daily writing journals as a part of the reading and writing curriculum in a preschool, kindergarten, first, or second grade classroom. The project describes procedures, materials, activities, and routines needed to institute such a program. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and assessment methods are addressed. Variations on the journal format that have been used in other early childhood classrooms are mentioned. Current literature and research on the topics of emergent literacy and journal writing is explored.

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness In Initial Reading Acquisition And How You Can Support It In Your First Grade Classroom: A Handbook For Educators, Jan Pearson Golob

All Graduate Projects

The significance of phonemic awareness in initial reading acquisition was researched. The research suggests that those children without phonemic awareness will struggle with learning to read. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook contains songs and activities either extracted from or modeled after those that had already been field tested in many classrooms.

A Balanced Reading Program For The Primary Grades, Hope Kranz Mcdonald

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific.activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

An Individualized Spelling Program, Rashelle Noreen Pratz

All Graduate Projects

Spelling is a subject taught in school that is often in debate about the most effective way to teach it. There has been vast research about the correct way to teach spelling. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with word lists compiled of isolated words that students don't often use in everyday writing. Advocates for new ways to teach spelling suggest the use of high frequency words and words students will most often use in their writing experiences. This project report provides an individualized spelling program to fit the needs of each student, in which learning to spell plays a significant …

Comprehension Strategy Lesson Plans For Third Grade Teachers Incorporating Informational Science Trade Books, Trinidad M. Rivera

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a set of lesson plans for teachers useful in teaching comprehension strategies to monolingual third grade students. Research on comprehension strategies and the effects they have on children's reading comprehension was explored. Effective comprehension strategies were defined. Lesson plans were created to aid educators as they teach comprehension of informational material to third grade students.

A Literature-Based Thematic Unit For A Multi-Age Classroom : Friendship, Leslie Baxter

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based thematic unit, friendship, has been developed for a multi-age classroom (grades three and four). This thematic unit can contribute to a major goal of a multi-age classroom: to provide students with a learning community in which they can find meaningful learning experiences, thus strengthening their personal-social and thinking-language abilities. The strands for the unit not only included friendship among peers, but also they extended the horizons of friendship to young children through mentoring, to peers at a distance through pen pals, and to the elderly through visitations to a retirement home.

In developing a print-rich learning environment for …

The Effectiveness Of Vocabulary Activities In Enhancing The Speaking Ability Of Young Learners, Norazlina Mohd. Noor

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of vocabulary activities in enhancing the speaking abilities of young learners. The subjects were fifteen standard four students with very low proficiency. The researcher used a qualitative approach for this study. A total of five vocabulary activities were carried out in this study. The topics of the vocabulary activities were food, clothes, descriptions, directions, and occupations. The vocabulary for each topic was introduced using different activities. In order to study if the new vocabulary was effective in encouraging students to speak, students then carried out speaking activities. The speaking activities were selected …

Reading Comprehension Strategies Of Form Four Esl Students : A Case Study / Joginder Kaur A/P Bhan Singh, Joginder Kaur Bhan Singh

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study aimed to determine the awareness and application of reading comprehension strategies by high and low proficiency ESL students. The study also related strategy use to the variables of language proficiency, gender and language background and included an analysis of variation in the use of individual strategies. The study adopted a qualitative case study design using eight high and low proficiency students from a Form Four class. The subject were purposively selected to ensure that there was a difference in language proficiency, gender and language background. The study addressed the following research questions: 1) How do !he high and …

Authentic And Conventional Tasks In Esl Students' Learning Of Grammar, Jessica A. Midraj

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of authentic tasks and conventional tasks on ESL students' achievement in grammar. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study two 3-day grammar units on the simple present and simple past were created for ESL students at the high beginner/intermediate level. Each unit had an authentic and conventional version. The sample consisted of 45 ESL students in grades six through 11 in public schools in Indiana. Two treatment groups were formulated based upon the treatment received. Group A consisted of the students who received the authentic version of Unit …

The Effectiveness Of An Accent Reduction Program On Foreign Speaker’S Oral English Proficiency And Understandability, Kara Elizabeth Sewell

Dissertations and Theses

Accent reduction is a program to assist foreign speakers in developing a level of oral English proficiency that is more similar to native English speakers. This study examined whether an accent reduction program, focusing on intonation and articulation, would improve the oral English proficiency and understandability of 2 Vietnamese speakers.

The research questions this study sought to answer were: (a) Does a foreign speaker's oral English proficiency as measured by the Proficiency of Oral English Communication (POEC) subtest scores improve immediately after completion of an accent reduction program?, (b) Does a foreign speaker's POEC subtest scores 4 weeks after termination …

Touch Phonics To Improve Reading Fluency Among Fourth Grade Students, Christina M. Alaniz

All Graduate Projects

Touchphonics, a phonemic awareness reading program, has been implemented among fourth grade students in order to test its effectiveness in improving reading fluency. Data were presented to support teaching phonemic awareness as part of reading programs. Several examples have been given of how students with phonemic awareness skills have been successful in learning how to read. Within this project are lesson plans on how to implement Touchphonics in the classroom which have been developed. Finally, a portfolio system to assess students' reading and writing is explained.

Teacher Tricks A.K.A. Parent Tools: Workshops To Promote Healthy Family Literacy, Timothy A. Martin

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops, supported by research on parent involvement, were developed to help promote family literacy. Each workshop incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to read preassigned books together. In addition, each family was given tasks to complete as they read their books. Workshops incorporating helpful tips and suggestions were provided to the families so they could better assist their children with their reading needs.

Integration Of Children's Literature And Mathematics With Literature-Based Supplemental Activities In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Mcdow

All Graduate Projects

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements developed by the various subject committees selected by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning and the recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are addressed. The benefits of integrating children's literature and mathematics are studied. Integrated activities and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that could supplement a traditional mathematics curriculum for primary age students are developed.

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

Success At Last : One Teacher's Growth In Understanding Of Writer's Workshop, Cindy L. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

Writer's workshop is an approach to teaching writing that corresponds to the whole language philosophy. Much of the literature published on the topic of whole language, and specifically writer's workshop, describes the ideal classroom environment. However, "whole language in the intermediate classroom is often given less attention in professional books and journals than the primary classroom receives" (Gannon-Smith, 1991). As a reading and language arts teacher of sixth grade students, I have been interested in teaching writing through the use of writer's workshop. There are some general whole language themes which can be used to build a motivating writing environment …

Guiding Peer Conferences In The Process Of Writing, Cheryl Kremer

Graduate Research Papers

Children can only become experienced writers by learning to use the writing process through opportunities to write and through modeling of strategies by their teacher. Children will especially benefit from questions and comments that are appropriate to make during a writing conference. This instruction may first take place during all-class conferences and eventually move to conferences between students (Graves, 1983). Conferences may have many purposes, but according to Graves (1994), the most basic purpose for a conference is to give the students time to share where they are in the writing process and to figure out where they are headed.

Black English, Karen Tibbitts Filimoehala

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Black English has recently entered the media spotlight with the passing of the Ebonics resolution by the Oakland School Board on Dec. 18, 1996. In this resolution, the school board unanimously voted to recognize Black English or "Ebonics" (a term which combines the words "ebony" and "phonetics")(LeLand & Joseph, 1997, p. 78) as the primary language of many of its students, and to teach students in their primary language in order to maintain the "legitimacy and richness" of the language, and to help students master standard English. Needless to say, the resolution was met with highly charged arguments - some …