Educational Methods Commons^™

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.

Student Motivation Augmentation Through Staff Development, Debra J. Lyons-Farley

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop an inservice trainers/ manual to guide the delivery of a teacher training session on student motivation theory and practical classroom application techniques for K-12 teachers in the West Valley School District, Yakima, WA. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature on student motivation, staff development and primarily the works of Dr. Madeline Hunter and Dr. William Glasser, in relation to student motivation, were reviewed. The manual was developed to become a part of the program of effective teaching strategies which positively affect student achievement currently offered ln the district.

Attitudes Toward Reading Held By Second Grade Students When Instructed In First And Second Grades Using The Basal Approach And The Whole Language Approach, Anne L. Kepner

All Graduate Projects

The attitudes toward reading held by second grade students when instructed using the basal approach and the whole language approach were studied. Forty surveys given to students at the end of their second grade year were analyzed. The results showed support for the hypothesis that students, taught reading by the whole language approach in first and second grades will have a more positive attitude toward reading than students taught reading by the traditional basal approach in the first and second grades.

A Handbook For The Intervention Specialist At Meadows Elementary School: Four Program Components, Donald D. Garrick

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop a handbook detailing four important components of the intervention specialist's program at Meadows Elementary School in the North Thurston School District, Lacey, Washington. The development of a handbook was useful due to the fact that since 1988, three different individuals had served as the intervention specialist. Such rapid turnover caused disruptions m services to Meadows students, especially those who were at-risk. The four components were Meadows' Hosts and Hostesses, Intramurals, Conflict Managers and Meadows' Helpers. Each program utilized students interacting positively with other students as a means to improve the whole school …

Literature-Based Preschool Activities Using A Modified Whole Language Approach, Beverly M. Chandler

All Graduate Projects

A review of the literature revealed higher academic expectations by today's teachers of kindergarten children than in the past. To prepare students more completely to meet these expectations fourteen preschool activities related to children's literature and based on a modified whole language approach were developed. The varied activities were designed to be used by teachers or parents of preschool children in order to better prepare the children to enter kindergarten with an exposure to, basic understanding of, and appreciation of children's literature.

Literature-Based Social Studies Learning Activities For First Grade Students In The Selah School District, Selah, Washington, Bonnie D. Isom

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop literaturebased social studies learning activities to be used with first grade students in the Selah School District. To accomplish this purpose, literature-based social studies learning activities for first grade students were gathered and developed for inclusion in a teacher resource packet. Appropriately used, children's literature can enhance learning in social studies and lead to increased teacher effectiveness.

The Reading And Writing Connection, Leona G. Morton

All Graduate Projects

Many children are graduating from school lacking skills in writing. This project reviews the literature in order to establish a theoretical justification for improving writing through reading. Using materials from the classroom and library, activities are presented that emphasize writing as well as reading. Some writing activities will be presented before reading and some writing activities will be presented after reading. Thus each activity will reflect the reading/writing connection, and create a basis from which writing should improve.

Cedar River Mini-School, Judy Anne Rene

All Graduate Projects

A mini-school was set up in Cedar River Elementary School in Maple Valley, Washington. The mini-school will keep the same students and teachers together for a three-year period of time. There will be a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom, each with its own teacher. Research suggests that students in small schools perceive a closer, warmer relationship with their teachers, fellow students and other adults and a stronger connection with the school. This project presents a justification for and a description of the mini-school. The only conclusions reached come from the development of the mini-school, not in an evaluation of …

Literature Strands For The Enhancement Of Language In The Early Childhood Classroom, Wendy Sue White

All Graduate Projects

Literature and activities which support and enhance language learning in the early childhood classroom were examined. Seventy-six pieces of literature were selected along with thirty-two supporting activities. These were all described and matched for easy reference by the classroom teacher. A discussion of the importance of literature for the early childhood classroom, particularly that in which Engli~h is taught as a second language, has been included.

Service Learning Across The Curriculum, Betty Fowler

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop handbooks that examine the value of service-learning as a legitimate educational practice. Based on an analyses of current literature, this study shows that participation in service-learning projects helps young people develop positive attitudes toward community participation that continue into their adult lives. The rationale and objectives of school-wide service-learning programs are discussed. Some existing community projects involving elementary and secondary students are described. Criteria for the development of service-learning programs are considered.

Parental Involvement: Using Workshops To Promote Beginning Reading, Dana Krieger Clauson

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops are designed to help parents of young children facilitate beginning reading. These workshops focus on techniques for reading aloud, using predictable materials, using environmental print, and constructing games. The workshops are aimed at parents of kindergarten children. The project includes research which provides a definition, rationale, and practical application of each topic, specific workshop designs, parent handouts, and teacher materials. Implications of the benefits of parent education and recommendations for future workshops are discussed.

A Principal's Guide: Assertive Discipline And Honors Level Management; Two Separate Behavioral Management Systems Promoting A Positive School Climate, Ronald E. Gee

All Graduate Projects

This principal's guide presents two separate behavioral management systems used at the middle school level. The two systems are Lee Canter's Assertive Discipline and Budd Churchward's Honors Level Management. Canter's approach is effective in the classroom while Churchward's addresses total school environment. Methods for integration of the systems, materials needed, consequences/rewards, and suggested time lines are presented.

Teaching Comprehension By Incorporating Story Grammar Into A Drta Lesson Format, Sharon Kay Neal

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a teaching procedure which should improve primarylevel reading comprehension. This procedure combines a framework of story grammar as a guide for implementing the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) lesson format. Literature is reviewed which illustrates the effectiveness of story grammar when used to teach comprehension, and describes the effectiveness of DRTA to promote active comprehension. By combining both story grammar and DRTA, a procedure is developed and ten example lessons are produced.

Improving Content Area Reading In A Middle School Core Classroom, Richard Têtu

All Graduate Projects

Many middle school students cannot adequately use content area textbooks. This project begins with a review of the research literature related to this concern. The literature review is followed by a content area reading program designed for an eighth grade core classroom. The program is composed of sequential directions and worksheets to teach diverse content area reading techniques. The relative values of different techniques are discussed, and suggestions for future studies are offered.

Global Decisions: A Curriculum For Enrichment In Health Education Using Kohlberg's Discussion Of Moral Dilemmas, Leanne Bond Lacey

All Graduate Projects

Using Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development and Discussion of Moral Dilemmas, an enrichment curriculum was created for use in the senior high school Health Education classroom or the Gifted Education classroom. The student is first introduced to the six stages of moral development as outlined by Kohlberg's theory. The instructional theories of Taba, Simon and Raths are also integrated with Kohlberg's theory through both individual and group discussion activities. First, the student solves one of eighteen Health Education-related moral dilemmas. After solving the dilemmas, the student asks questions of the others in a group discussion setting, and is in …

Parent Handbook For Surviving Adolescence, Kay Fuson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to gather information for a parent handbook for Sterling Middle School, which spoke to the following issues: 1) general characteristics, 2) parenting skills, 3) communication, 4) study skills, 5) parent concerns, and 6) community resources. These six areas were determined with input from parents after looking at parent handbooks from middle schools across the state. Research was done in the area of adolescent development and material was compiled for a comprehensive handbook for parents of adolescents.

A Handbook For Teaching Journal Writing, Kindergarten Through Third Grade, Linda Rae Donofrio

All Graduate Projects

This masters project provided a teachers' manual for use by teachers who want to establish a journal writing program. It was intended for teachers of grades kindergarten through third grade. In addition to the teachers' manual, this project also provided an overview of the literature of journal writing as part of a language arts program. Examples of students' journal entries were also included. The manual itself was prepared for use in a suburban, middle class school district and it contains a step-by-step approach to establishing a journal program.

A Description Of And A Model For Implementation Of A K-12 Outocmes-Based Educational (Obe) Program, Judith Mary Mccutcheon

All Graduate Projects

The essential elements of an outcomes-based educational program (OBE) are described. These four critical questions regarding school improvement, posed by the leader in OBE, Johnson City Central School District, Johnson City, NY, frame the discussion: What do we believe? What do we know? What do we want? What do we do? Theoretical discussion and results of studies of OBE are presented. A plan for introducing OBE into a school district is included.

Applying Word Processing Comptencies In Two Academic Subjects, Roma Lee Smith

All Graduate Projects

This project was developed with the intent of bringing academic and vocational curriculum together. The purpose of the project was to illustrate to students the "connections" between the skills they develop in word processing with the information they receive in two academic courses: Pacific Northwest History and Biology. Units were developed to reinforce the word processors' keyboarding skills while introducing them to science or social studies concepts and issues. Conversely, science and social studies students were exposed to the benefits of using a computer in their endeavors.

A secondary purpose of this project was to develop skills in working together. …

Study Skills For School Success, Terry Mills Tanneberg

All Graduate Projects

"Study Skills for School Success" is a project study focusing on the skills characterized by effective study. The specific nature of study skills and the influence of the home environment are also examined. A major product of this project study is a handbook entitled "Study Skills for School Success." Focusing on the parents of elementary children, the step-by-step handbook is designed to serve as a resource guide for the effective implementation of a home study skills program.

A Comparative Study Of Student Directed Dialogue Journal Writing And Teacher Directed Dialogue Journal Writing, Yolanda Paez Bailey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare student directed dialogue journal writing with teacher directed dialogue journal writing. Eleven students in the student directed group wrote about self-generated topics while 12 students in the teacher directed group wrote on topics selected by the teacher. Data were analyzed in the areas of amount of writing generated, types of language functions, topics and the ability to stay on topic, level of technical improvement, types of questions posed by students and teacher, and attitudes towards writing. The results revealed that both student directed dialogue journal writing and teacher directed dialogue journal writing …