Educational Methods Commons^™

The Development Of Student Personal Education Plans Into Portfolios Through The Use Of The Pathway Model, Brad L. Sprague

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a Personalized Education Plan and portfolio system to support secondary students in quest for successful skill development and job employment upon graduation. The project was specifically designed for freshmen students and the teaching staff at Auburn High Schooi in Auburn, Washington.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

A Case Study: Effects Of Tutoring On The Sight Word Vocabulary Of A Nonreader, Paul L. Coppin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide remedial instruction in reading to a ten year old nonreading student enrolled in the Ellensburg School District and to develop a case study that outlined the diagnostic and remedial procedures used with the subject. The case study approach was chosen as a way to document the progress of a single student whose initial diagnosis was as a nonreader. Because the initial diagnosis indicated a need to establish a sight word vocabulary, early instructional methods focused on this area.

A Model Junior High School Intramural Athletic And Activities Program For The Central Kitsap School District, Mark Eathorne

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model intramural athletic and activities program for students in grades seven through nine, in the Central Kitsap School District. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding secondary level extracurricular programs was conducted. Additionally, information regarding existing extracurricular programs in selected Washington state junior high schools has been obtained and analyzed. The Junior High School Intramural and Activities Program developed was intended for use in the Central Kitsap School District, in Silverdale, Washington.

Prereading And Postreading Activities For Children's Multicultural Trade Books, Sandra Gail Beardsley

All Graduate Projects

A review of literature was completed to support the need for, and value of, using multicultural literature within the elementary classroom. The criteria for selecting multicultural literature was also reviewed. The project consisted of a booklist and prereading and postreading activities for twenty-five multicultural trade books. The purpose of the project was to heighten student's awareness of the multicultural community in which they live and appreciation of cultures throughout the world. The strategies and activities developed for these books were based on the whole language philosophy. The twenty-five trade books were divided into four themes: 1. Grandparents, 2. Folktales and …

Supplimental Activities/Lesson Plans For General Math, Jacklyn Sue Long

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop supplemental activities/lesson plans for ninth grade general mathematics. The activities/lesson plans make use of manipulatives, cooperative learning and real life situations. Some of the activities/ lesson plans are developed into projects.

A Model That Integrates Experimental Social Studies, English, And Reading Curriculum For Sixth Graders, Cecilia Ann Mahre

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model integrated, experiential social studies, English, and reading curriculum that would help sixth grade students to relate and apply school studies to real-life/real-world situations. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on experiential learning, integrated/interdisciplinary curriculum, the multiple intelligences, and service-learning were reviewed. Additionally, selected businesses throughout the greater Ellensburg area were invited to participate in a partnership to provide experiential learning sites for students. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Inclusion: A Case Study At Coe Elementray School, Loretta L. Kimball

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of inclusion on the achievement of special needs students and to use this information to increase effectiveness in inclusion programs through the design and implementation of specific teaching strategies. To accomplish this purpose, current literature and research related to inclusion was reviewed. The writer examined how special needs and regular education students are affected and analyzed the variables, strategies and programs which increase effectiveness. The project that follows is a case study of what has been done in the past, what attitudes and perceptions exist and …

Applied Science: Integrating Science And Vocational Education For Students With Mild Disabilities And Students Without Disabilities, Maurene R. Fink

All Graduate Projects

The study addresses the educational needs of students with disabilities and students without disabilities in the vocational and scientific fields while meeting the business community's needs for skilled employees. The project allows students to receive the advanced science credit as well as prepare students transitioning directly from school to work. Interviews of employers indicated that current educational systems do not adequately address the needs of the business community. Bellingham businesses are eager to participate with Bellingham High School in cooperative education programs.

Integrating Drama Into The Basal Reading Program, Belinda Jo Mccormack

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a means of integrating drama into the basal reading program. This was accomplished by adapting Silver-Burdett & Ginn and Scott Foresman basal stories into plays at the second grade level. The benefits of engaging children in drama were studied. The literature suggests that drama is a fun and effective instructional tool: it effectively develops reading comprehension and language skills in young readers; drama has proven to be an excellent teaching strategy when used to motivate and interest reluctant readers. Drama can be an excellent supplement to traditional basal reading instruction by adding …

The Use Of Visual Arts For The Development Of Learning Activities For Teaching And As Model For Future Testing Of Four Areas Of Reading Comprehension, Thomas S. Wright

All Graduate Projects

The use of visual arts as a method for teaching vocabulary comprehension, literal comprehension, interpretive comprehension, and evaluative comprehension was investigated. Literature was cited on individuals and programs using visual arts as a method of teaching reading. Visual art related learning activities were developed from this information for use by classroom teachers and for future testing.

Elementary Music Through Drama: A Sequential Resource Guide, Kelley Ann Bruce Bliss

All Graduate Projects

This project is a sequential resource guide of introductory music experiences that utilize drama techniques all of which culminate with performances. This particular resource guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the general music curriculum where musical ideas and concepts are the main focus for learning. Drama is introduced into the resource guide to augment the existing music program. The use of drama is used to reinforce these musical concepts and thus enhance the musical experience.

An Interdisciplinary Multicultural Resource Guide For Middle Schools, Carol Ann Mccombs Drinkwater

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to promote multicultural education within middle school classrooms. My intent was to provide an accessible means by which other educators could incorporate or supplement their current nine month curriculums with diverse multicultural activities for students in grades 6-8. This multicultural guide was developed around an integrated curriculum. The themes or objective areas focused on the curriculum areas of Social Studies, English, Multicultural Awareness and Art. Most of all, this resource guide was developed for the purpose of providing students additional opportunities to recognize and experience differences through a positive interactive approach. This project was …

Three Units Incorporating The Use Of Tradebooks On The Third Grade Social Studies Curriculum, Jeanne Hargreaves Rogers

All Graduate Projects

Social studies has traditionally been taught using textbooks. Many of these textbooks pose different problems for the students who use them. One reason for this is because the textbooks lack units that are literature-based. For this project, three social studies units were written incorporating literature. They were, Women in History, North American Indians, and Communities. These units include activities for creating interest, teaching the lesson, and evaluating the students' learning. Also included at the end of each unit is an annotated bibliography.

The Use Of Visuals In Second Language Instruction, Cynthia Denise Flannagan

All Graduate Projects

A project that deveIops an in-service training packet that demonstrates and explains the use of visuals in second language learning, beginning through advanced levels. Packet includes applications for visual usage in the development of writing, reading, speaking and listening skiIls in second language learners. Second language teachers, language art teachers and English as a Second Language instructors could benefit from such a packet.

Investigating Dynamic Assessment Implications For The Regular Classroom Teacher, Timothy Kevin Enfield

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of dynamic assessment within a regular classroom instructional setting, by a classroom teacher. The results showed that while dynamic assessment was an effective way of assessing and intervening with students and revealed relevant information about the effects of teacher expectations on student efforts, its potential value for the classroom teacher relied on the assessors knowledge of, and familiarity with the specific cognitive deficits being exhibited by the students. Implications for classroom use of dynamic assessment are discussed.

Creating School Climate And Structure Which Enhances Student Learning … The Emerald Heights Model, Brent J. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

Effective school research generally shows seven correlates that lead to increased student achievement. They are: (1) safe and orderly environment; (2) climate for high expectations; (3) instructional leadership; ( 4) clear and focused mission; (5) opportunity to learn, student time on task; (6) frequent monitoring of student progress; and (7) home and school relations.

These correlates, along with school visitations, seminars, and personal interviews juxtaposed with current reform practices already in place in the Central Kitsap School District were used to develop the Emerald Heights model for increasing student learning in Kitsap County. Topics, specific programs, district support, recommendations, and …

A Study Skills Course For Sixth Grade Students, Joseph M. France

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed for the sixth grade classes at North Tapps Middle School in the Dieringer School district, Sumner Washington. It was designed as an exploratory class and will last one quarter or 45 school days. All sixth grade students will participate in this class during one quarter of the year. This course is broken into 7 units, with each unit being approximately five school days. The units are: 1) Time Management, 2) Study Habits Awareness, 3) SQ4R, 4) Skimming and Scanning, 5) Outlining and Note Taking, 6) Following Directions, Using Context Clues, and Dictionary Skills, and 7) Test …

Creating Supplimental Visual And Manipulative Activities For Biology, Dennis Craig Johnson

All Graduate Projects

Alternative visual and tactile teaching strategies and their educational effectiveness for students of diverse backgrounds in the life sciences were studied. Supplemental activities to traditional, commercial, science programs were found to provide many effective learning pathways to a wide spectrum of learning styles. To assist in providing additional learning approaches toward program goals, the educational theory in the literary review was applied to the formation of a set of classroom science materials. Suggestions for classroom use have been provided.

A Reference Manual For The Wapato Boys' Basketball Program, George Juarez

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a reference manual for a school district boys' basketball program. To accomplish this purpose, a four-part manual has been designed around the foundational areas of: (1) philosophy, (2) fundamentals, (3) drill, and (4) organization. The manual was designed for use by the Wapato School District basketball staff.

Communicating With Spanish-Speaking Parents: A Resource Handbook, Joni Lynn Britt

All Graduate Projects

This project presents the development of a teacher handbook to facilitate teacher/school communication with Spanish-speaking parents. The handbook contains letters to parents in Spanish. Research of school-parent communications, and parent involvement, as well as a survey of elementary teachers was conducted. It was found that although communication with Spanish-speaking parents is often difficult, effective communication efforts promoted parent involvement and increased student achievement. The findings supported the need and benefit of a handbook of this nature. Recommendations for the implementation of the handbook are discussed.

An Integrated Program For Teaching Writing And Thinking Skills, Edmund James Ady

All Graduate Projects

The nature and development of thought, the connection between thinking and writing, teaching practices associated with the direct teaching of thinking and writing skills were researched and studied. An integrated program of writing and thinking skills was compiled. This program includes techniques for teaching thinking and writing activities and provides step by step procedures to accomplish the integration of thinking skills with writing skills targeted at producing contrast and comparison essays. A discussion and recommendations regarding the program are included.

A Whole Language Approach Integrating Children's Songs In Spanish To Enhance Language Acquisition And Literacy In The Spanish Immersion Primary Grades, Homero R. Capetillo

All Graduate Projects

An alternative method for the development of second language acquisition and literacy in a second language program was explored. A collection of Spanish children's songs and lessons utilizing "whole language" teaching strategies were compiled to supplement the language arts cμrriculum. The premise for this study was that children's songs could be used to develop activities that would enhance second language acquisition and literacy skills. Implications for the integration of music to provide a cogent transitional vehicle from spoken to written language structures are discussed.

Experience-Based Dialogues In Secondary English-As-A-Second-Language Classrooms, Carlina V. Lobos

All Graduate Projects

An informal study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of experience-based dialogues in the promotion of oral language use in secondary-level English-As-A-Second-Language classrooms. The twenty-one dialogues field-tested in the project were developed interactively, by teacher and students, in the sociocognitive context of each of the learner's background knowledge, experience and immediate communication needs. Experience-based dialogues are a method of language teaching and learning that focuses on the communicative act rather than on isolated or discrete grammatical items. An overview of the results of the informal study was presented here. Strategies for teachers to develop and implement, using this approach, were …

Adapting The Outcome-Based Education Instructional Process To A Fourth Grade Social Studies And Science Curriculum In The Cascade School District, Daniel J. Roche

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to utilize the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) instructional process to develop a curriculum in social studies and science for fourth grade students at Osborn Elementary School, Leavenworth, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, student learning objectives, unit objectives, lesson objectives, and lesson plans were adapted to the OBE instructional model.

The Use Of Ability Grouping In Reading And Some Alternatives, Sherry Lynn Anderson

All Graduate Projects

This study was conducted to determine if attitudes toward and /or practices of ability grouping for reading instruction have changed over the last thirteen years. Current research was reported. A replication of a study by Wilson and Schmits (1978) was completed and analyzed. The results suggest a fairly dramatic change in both attitudes toward and practices of ability grouping. A collection of alternative methods were offered for teachers looking for options to the ability grouping method of teaching reading.

Schema Theory And Application For The Content Teacher, June Allen Carpenter Darling

All Graduate Projects

Schema theory, research, and implications for the classroom were studied. Based on research, teacher resources, and curriculum demands, instruction was designed for a secondary teacher of United States History. During a workshop, four secondary teachers from three districts reacted to research and instruction. A video tape was developed showing schema theory concepts, related research, application for the content teacher, and reactions from secondary teachers. Implications for the content teacher are discussed.

Metacognitive Prereading Activities To Enhance Reading Comprehension, Katherine Laws

All Graduate Projects

This study investigated metacognitive prereading strategies content area teachers might utilize for process emphasis reading comprehension. The literature review showed the shift in reading comprehension instruction from a word based emphasis to an interactive process emphasis, described content area reading instruction and metacognition. A selection of metacognitive prereading activities was included for use by teachers in content area classrooms. Implications of using the activities were discussed.

Enhancement Of Classroom Activities For The Improvement Of Giving And Following Directions For The Business Communication Student, Marcella Matthews

All Graduate Projects

Students in Business Communication at Ellensburg High School may not receive adequate instruction in giving and following written and oral directions. This project was developed to provide additional and/or alternative activities that support the presentation and instruction of giving and following directions. The eight activities presented were developed to build students' skills in giving and following written and oral directions. These activities are to be used in conjunction with applied communication materials which were adopted by Ellensburg High School.

Development Of A Third Grade Magnet Curriculum Integrated Through The Fine And Performing Arts And Science, Lorna Marie Walker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a third grade magnet curriculum that was integrated through the fine and performing arts and sciences in the Yakima, Washington, school district. To accomplish this purpose, units comprised of selected lesson plans were developed to integrate the curriculum through the fine and performing arts and sciences.