Educational Methods Commons^™

Praise For Ability Versus Praise For Effort During Continuous Failure, Scott Spaulding

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Recent research suggests that praise for ability may be less effective than praise for effort in influencing performance and interest. C.M. Mueller and C.S. Dweck (1998) suggested further study to examine these variables in real-life settings. Their work has shown that praise for effort increases persistence, performance, interest and other indicators over praise for ability after failure is introduced. This study of 32 fifth graders from a public elementary school further extends this research and examines the effects of praise for ability, praise for effort or no praise while experiencing multiple failures on a task. The results suggest no difference …

Recipe For Reading: A Handbook For Parents In A First Grade Classroom, Katherine R. Anderson

All Graduate Projects

A handbook, supported by research on parent involvement and reading was developed to help promote literacy in beginning readers. The handbook incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to participate in pre-assigned activities together. Each activity involves a different type of strategy designed to help their child become a successful reader.

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.

Deploying Mobile Computer Classroom As A Catalyst For More Parental Involvement Via Technology As Well As Bridging Digital Divide: A Feasibility Study, Abdul Hamid Khan

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of using the mobile computer classroom for increasing the parental involvement via technology with the intent of alleviating both the problems of downward trending performance of students as well as bridging the "digital divide" among parents and other adults.

Off To The (Earthworm) Races: A Quick And Flexible Laboratory Experiment For Introductory Zoology Courses., Paul Switzer, Ann Fritz

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

Dissection: The Scientific Case For Alternatives, Jonathan Balcombe

Experimentation Collection

This article presents the scientific argument that learning methods that replace traditional nonhuman animal-consumptive methods in life science education—so-called alternatives to dissection—are pedagogically sound and probably superior to dissection. This article focuses on the pedagogy, a learning method’s effectiveness for conveying knowledge.

Increasing Computer Instruction Within The Classroom, Rebecca Lerane Hollis

Theses Digitization Project

The objective was to create some high level thinking activities to use with computerized graphic organizers which utilized the multimedia program Hyperstudio and the word processing program AppleWorks. This is an attempt to improve teacher attitudes towards technology, and to increase computer instruction within the classroom.

Enhancing Academic Competence In English As A Foreign Language Through Multiple Strategies, Mei-Hwa Yeh

Theses Digitization Project

In Taiwan, English has always been taught mostly by the grammar t ransalation method. Learning strategies and metacognitive strategies are seldom introduced during classroom instruction. Therefore, students learn a lot of gragmented knowledge but do not know how to apply the knowledge in their learning process. For my target teaching level, secondary school, the ability to utilize different strategies with in the learning process is critically important in order for the students to integrate their knowledge and use language effectively. This project is designed to address the problems of teaching English in Taiwan employing a strategy-based curriculum.

Flowers For The World: Developing A Business Game To Support The Teaching Of Is Concepts, Trevor T. Moores, Jerry Cha-Jan Chang

Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology Faculty Research

One of the key problems in teaching fundamental concepts in information systems is how to ground the theory in experiences that the students can relate to. To overcome this problem, a business game called Flowers For The World has been developed and used across a wide variety of IS courses. This paper will describe the game and the result of using it for a 300-level course in analysis and design. The possibility exists that the game could be developed to provide a common business foundation across all business school curricula.

The Effects Of Physical Activity On The Behavior Of Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Amanda J. Love

Senior Honors Projects, 2000-2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical education class on the behavior of children diagnosed with Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fourteen male and six female students in grades three through five were observed by their classroom teacher. Of the twenty students, then were diagnosed with ADHD and ten were not. Classroom teachers rated their students' behavior using the Iowa Connors Teacher's Rating Scale at two different time during the day for nineteen days (Pelham, W.E., Milch R., & Murphy, D.A., 1989). A higher score indicated greater inattention, hyperactivity, and impassivity while a score of …

Teaching Video Production In The Secondary Art Classroom: An Educational Travel Log, William Lee Daggett

All Graduate Projects

This project is intended to serve as a model and resource for secondary teachers seeking to incorporate video production into their curriculum. A central premise of the project is that video production can serve as a valuable learning tool when it is part of an integrated, project based instructional program. The sample model used here is an educational travel log. A secondary art students' trip to Europe was undertaken. The various steps in how the trip was set up and how the curriculum was organized is the focus of the project. Students' roles, responsibilities, and activities are described, along with …

Introducing A Foreign Language Experience Into The Elementary Curriculum: A Flex Curriculum Handbook, Deborah Michelle Doherty

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been created to assist elementary educators integrating Spanish into their curriculum. Lesson plans, activities, and supplemental materials are developed based on The Standards for Foreign Language Leaming, recommended and published by the National Association of Foreign Language Teachers and are aligned to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements (EALRs) adopted by The Washington State Commission on Student Leaming. Current literature and research involving the benefits of teaching foreign language to elementary children are studied.

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.

An Instructional Handbook For Creating A Fourth Grade Classroom Home Page, John R. Getzinger

All Graduate Projects

When technology is used in the classroom, students are prepared for the future, the individual needs of students can be met, students are provided with interactive learning and the value of computers are demonstrated to students and faculty. The purpose of this project was to develop a handbook for teachers of fourth grade students at Church Creek Elementary in the Stanwood - Camano School District that would assist in creating a classroom web page. The web page would allow parents and other interested parties to see what was taking place in the classroom. In order to create the handbook, the …

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.

Constructivist Education : Developing A Constructivist Kindergarten Program, Carol J. Menefee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of using constructivist approaches in the kindergarten program. The primary focus of this paper was to look at the features of a constructivist approach. Advantages and criticisms of constructivism are included. This study also provides guidelines designed to help educators, specifically kindergarten teachers, implement constructivist approaches in their classrooms. The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions and cautions to educators on implementing these guidelines. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.

Sistem Operasi Matriks, Mat Shaleh Muhammad Nazmi

Student Works (2000-2009)

Perkembangan teknologi serta pakej pembelajaran menggunakan komputer telah menyaksikan pembangunan teknologi komputer yang lebih drastik dan kompetetif. Projek ini dihasilkan akibat daripada peralihan kebanyakan sistem manual kepada secara berkomputer yang menyumbangkan lebih banyak kebaikan dan kemudahan kepada orang ramai. Projek ini merupakan suatu pakej pembelajaran yang berteraskan grafik dan juga beberapa ciri multimedia. Ia adalah khusus untuk pelajar-pelajar dan juga pengajarpengajar di peringkat sekolah menengah tinggi sehingga ke peringkat institut pengajian tinggi. Sistem ini adalah ramah pengguna dan mudah digunakan. Kajian ke atas sistem yang sedia ada amat penting dalam pengumpulan data bagi projek ini. Sistem ini akan dibangunkan dengan …

Intelligent Tutoring System Web Package, Prakasam Rakesh Jaya

Student Works (2000-2009)

Education learning package has been in the market and in the web for a long time. Most of the web pages however are specific for primary school student children and kids and for other computer learning. For the example, "Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah" (UPSR) for Bahasa Melayu subject is one of the learning web pages for the primary school student. None of the learning package or web page available in the software market is developed for the Physics subject in the SPM examination. Furthermore, most of the learning web page do not have an attractive user interface and do not …

Kesan Kaedah Penyelesaian Masalah Pengajaran Akidah Terhadap Peningkatan Kemahiran Berfikir Kritis Di Kalangan Pelajar Tingkatan Empat, Ismail Abas

Student Works (2000-2009)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the problem-solving method In the teaching aspects of akidah improving the critical thinking skills among form four students. The main focus in critical thinking skills is gathering and using information, decision-making, making inference and analogy based on al-Ghazali's (1058-1111) model. This study used the pre-post experimental control factorial design. The sample was drawn from 80 Form Four students two different groups of achievement that is moderate and high-achievers. The study was conducted over a period of 7 weeks involving 9 hours of Interaction. The instruments administered were achievement test …

Rethinking Police Education : A Comparative Analysis Using The Hermeneutical Approach, Narayanan Srinivasan

Student Works (2000-2009)

Police Education and Training is an important issue especially given that the function of policing is continually changing. Today police are expected to take on many other functions in addition to their core functions. There has been no attempt in the past to compare police education and training across jurisdictions and trying to understand what are police officers perceptions of training and educational needs. This research attempts to bridge this gap and provides a comparative analysis on methods and processes as well as curriculum development in police education and training. The study using critical hermeneutical methodology analyses the perception of …

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 …

Proses Penyelesaian Masalah Algebra Di Kalangan Pelajar Diploma Di Sebuah Institusi Pengajian Tinggi, Roselah Osman

Student Works (2000-2009)

The main objective of this study is to examine the problem solving process in learning Algebra, employed by the first semester students of diploma in engineering from an institute of higher learning. The research instrument comprised of five problem solving questions on basic Algebra. Six students were randomly selected as the research sample. The research data were the steps of written solutions shown by the sample. A modified scoring Rubric was used to analyse the process and the strategies used by the students to solve every problem solving question. The results of the study shows that some of the students …

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 …

Phonemic Awareness: One Approach To Individualized Instruction, Kimberly M. Ochs

Masters Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of a recently developed set of individualized lessons for kindergarten children at-risk for reading problems because of limited phonemic awareness skills. Four participants were selected via teacher referral and a score below the 25^th percentile on the Test of Phonological Awareness. Sixteen lessons (focusing on six phonemes) and weekly assessments followed the selection of the participants. Each child was individually instructed in two 10-15 minute sessions each week for eight weeks and then given an assessment at the end of each week. Single case design was utilized to document the effectiveness of the …

Back Matter

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Back Matter

Front Matter

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Editors' Message

Morris Berman tells the story of his maternal grandfather, who, when he was five years old in 1883 or 1884, was sent to a Jewish elementary school in Belorussia. On the first day of class, the teacher startled the young boy by taking each child's slate and smearing the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet—aleph and beys—on it in honey. His grandfather's first lesson consisted of eating the letters off the slate. The symbolism of this act is complex, Berman muses, but central to the ritual is the belief that what is real must be taken into …

Imperfection: The Will-To-Control And The Struggle Of Letting Go, W. Keith Duffy

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

As I found myself beginning to appropriate my students' writing more and more, I wondered if this was evidence of a spiritual imbalance—an unwillingness to acknowledge my own imperfection as a teacher and human being.

A Poetics Of Student Writing, Dennis Young

The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning

Focusing on student reflective essays about learning writing, I rely on depth psychology and hermeneutics to illustrate the image-making, poetic dimension of student work.