Educational Methods Commons^™

A Resource Guide For Teachers Of Kindergarten Through Second Grade With Skills To Enhance Classroom Management, Christie E. Cox

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a resource guide to provide general education teachers with effective strategies in dealing with primary aged students who exhibit aggressive behaviors. The resource guide will provide effective behavior management models, intervention strategies, and techniques for assessment based on selected literature.

A Resource Manual For Facilitating Effective Instructional Strategies For At-Risk Junior High Students, Steven D. Meeker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate effective instructional strategies for at-risk junior high school students. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to at-risk student characteristics, their special needs, and programs and strategies developed to assist them was reviewed. Additionally, on site visits to selected programs and interviews with teachers and administrators were conducted.

At-risk students are young people who lack motivation to do well in school or work. They live marginally outside the socially accepted code for children and youth. School systems which have large numbers of at-risk students need …

The Design Of A Middle School Manual To Aid Core Teachers In The Development Of Integrated Curriculum Units, Irene M. Moren

All Graduate Projects

This project purports to design a manual for middle-school teachers to aid in the development of core-integrated curriculum units. The manual will serve as an ally to the knowledge in textbooks, technology bases, and other available printed and nonprinted library and classroom resources. It will illustrate specific ways to integrate core curriculum knowledge and activities. The manual is intended for use by school-based subject core teachers by providing a common field of knowledge on the development of integrated curriculum units for middle level grades. The manual will enable educators to develop integrated core curriculum units that utilize themes and knowledge …

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

Regrouping For Instruction In Reading: Effective Practices, Leslie Jane Rogers

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook providing information about a plan for regrouping for instruction in reading at Long Beach Elementary School. It will be presented to parents, teachers and administrators at workshops concerning regrouping for instruction in reading. The handbook will provide practical applications of curricular adaptation and instructional techniques that may be used to facilitate improvement in reading for students. The policies and procedures described in the manual will provide the following information:

• Assessment

• Placement

• Transitions

• Pace and Skill Levels

• Curricular Adaptations

• Teacher Collaboration and Consultation

• …

A Look At The Middle Ages: Tying Together Social Studies And Language Arts, R. Eric Despain

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a thematic interdisciplinary unit. Fifteen social studies lessons are focused on the middle ages and tied together with the book, The Castle in the Attic. There is also a companion language arts unit for The Castle in the Attic. This project was developed to help sixth-grade students apply information taught in social studies to language arts and help them to see natural connections that occur in learning.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

Instructional Strategies For Middle School Math And Science Teachers With Mainstreamed Students, Amy Kay Trueblood Lindh

All Graduate Projects

Instructional strategies used with mainstreamed students were studied. When teachers modify curriculum, simplify instruction, and teach study skills the mainstreamed student can participate more successfully in the regular classroom. Enhancing classroom behavior management procedures, providing a positive cooperative learning environment and having positive teacher attitudes and beliefs create a classroom climate where all students can succeed. Strategies for doing the following were presented in a workshop format. Recommendations and conclusions were presented.

The Effect Of Simultaneous Signing And Pronouncing Of Printed Words On Recall Of Sight Words By Students With Mental Retardation, Marilyn Ardene Milton

All Graduate Projects

The effect of combining Signing Exact English signs with verbal practice of sight words was studied with students having low mild to moderate mental retardation. Five students with IQ scores ranging from untestable to 65 were shown sight words printed on cards. Words were divided into two treatment groups. Treatments included sight word instruction which involved simultaneously signing the word while saying it and sight word instruction without signing. Analysis of the data allows acceptance of the null hypothesis which states signing will have no effect on acquisition of sight words. However, results varied widely between individual students. Recommendations from …

Study Skills Handbook For Elementary Students Transitioning Into Middle School, Kristina Elise Riggs

All Graduate Projects

Students transitioning from elementary to middle school face a unique set of challenges. These students are coming from the comfort of having one teacher and one classroom, to the departmentalized setting of the middle school There they may have up to seven different teachers, classes and classrooms. This new situation forces them to call upon certain organizational skills which may be different from those utilized in past learning situations. The Study Skills Handbook was designed to aid students with this unique transition. It provides students with an overview of basic skills practicing teachers deemed important for success in their classroom. …

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.