Educational Methods Commons^™

Unrecognized Talent: Guiding Secondary Students With Autism Towards Careers In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics, Torry Robert Kraftson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with Autism have strengths and abilities that are often overlooked in light of their disability. With strengths in the area of systemizing, individuals with autism have the opportunity to excel in educational and career opportunities that draw on these strengths, namely in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Individuals with Autism who pursue STEM opportunities will need appropriate supports along the way. Students with Autism find strong support systems in high school, but the level of support diminishes significantly in adulthood. Secondary educators can help prepare students with Autism for a successful progression to adulthood by …

The Art Of Reading, Laura Rose Lindquist

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The product of this literature review with application emphasis is an Art of Reading class which addresses reading comprehension and the role that art teachers can play in contributing to achievement. The class is based on research findings and integrates eight strategies to improve reading comprehension. The strategies include: 1) promote self-efficacy, 2) set goals, 3) provide choice, 4) build relationships, 5) ease anxiety 6) teach reading comprehension strategies, 7) spend time reading, and 8) spend time reflecting. The Art of Reading class also includes mindfulness practices, self-selected reading material, and artwork projects based on the text.

The Best Ways To Increase Reading Comprehension Skills For Middle School English Language Learners, Taylor J. Lindeman

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper inspects the role of storyboards and graphic organizers, vocabulary, cultural relevancy/responsiveness, reading fluency and reading engagement, as each relates to reading comprehension growth in middle school English Language Learners. The use of storyboards and graphic organizers provides a visual component, which offers another way for students to examine the text. Vocabulary knowledge helps students decode unknown terminology while they are reading and that can lead to better understanding. When students see their own culture represented in the texts they read, it leads to clearer insights into that text. An ability to read text quickly and accurately, without stumbling …

Benefits Of Art As Therapy In A K-5 Inclusive Classroom, Kristina K. Makousky

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present literature review is guided by the question: What benefits would the inclusion of art as therapy techniques in a k-5 classroom setting bring to all students, regardless of their mental health status, including students who are typical, as well as students receiving special services such as those for crisis, for trauma or with disabilities? A global literature review of material from 2007-2017, investigated the use of art therapy to benefit children’s wellbeing. Relevant information collected points to a potential for the use of art as therapy for children in schools as a preventative measure to build resiliency and …

Positive School Culture: Facilitating Changes To Cultivate Learning And Change Perceptions, Melinda J. Mallinger

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are a variety of things to consider when facilitating changes to a school culture. First of all, it is important to understand the differences and nuances between school culture and climate. It is also imperative to understand the role of perspective in school culture. There are many variables in a school and acknowledging the various perspectives of students, teachers, administration, and parents, is important if a school is going to facilitate changes. A school must also consider the role of a specific behavior management program, in this case, Positive behavioral interventions and support (PBIS) and classroom environment. All of …

How Flipped Classrooms Impact K-12 Student Achievement: Flipping A Middle School Geography Classroom, Jenna Norman

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to apply knowledge gained from reviewing the literature on flipped classrooms to a middle school geography unit. The history of the flipped classroom model, varying models of flipped classrooms, the need for flipped classrooms and the importance of flipped learning are introduced to support the rationale and purpose of the research. Literature on academic performance, student achievement, instructor impact, and technology are reviewed to give benefits and challenges to flipping a middle school geography unit. An application emphasis is included to further discuss the audience, sustainability and resources required to flip a middle school …

Summer Learning Loss And Summer Programming: How To Build A Cohesive Mathematics Education, Jill Osborne

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students across the world are learning at an incredible rate. By the end of each academic school year, most students have amassed a large amount of knowledge. But what happens to that knowledge over the summer? Research shows that most students make no academic gains over the summer; some even regress in their content knowledge. In order to build a cohesive education across academic school years, research has shown that attending a summer academic program may help. Students that attend a summer learning program may be more successful the next academic year, which in turn builds to a greater overall …

What's My Motivation? Teaching Strategies For Fostering Student Perseverance In The Classroom, Adam R. Satterlie

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Motivation is a hot topic in education. It is not uncommon for many students give up when challenges arise, while others rise to the occasion to overcome challenges. This literature review addresses many studies showcasing the benefits of academic perseverance, pointing to the need for all students to possess this trait. In understanding this, the research uncovers ways in which teachers are able to influence their students to overcome such challenges and persevere to complete academic activities. These strategies focus primarily on two different areas: fostering autonomy and intrinsic motivation in the classroom and teaching self-regulation strategies for overcoming challenges.

Beyond The Carrot: Strategies To Increase Reading Motivation In Students From Low Income Schools, Brenna D. Schueller

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the role that motivation has on reading amongst students in low income schools. Research regarding specific strategies to engage learners from low income schools shows that using a wide variety of higher-order thinking questions, incorporating structured, research based reading programs, making reading relevant to students’ lives, teaching discussion strategies, and preparing students for college contribute to increasing reading success for students in low income schools. A professional development presentation application from these findings that outlines this research and strategies is then suggested. Lastly, professional application, limitations of the study, and future implications of the research are presented.

The Impact Of Financial Education On High School Students' Current And Future Financial Behaviors, Deidra M. Van Lith

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Financial literacy is an essential skill, necessary to lead a prosperous life. This paper explores the impact of financial education on high school students' current and future financial behaviors focusing on the history of financial literacy in the United States, influencers of personal financial knowledge of students, and delivery of curriculum. The emphasis put on the importance of personal financial education in high school has come and gone throughout the past few decades. While many schools and organizations see the importance of a personal finance class in high school, others do not see a spot for it within the demanding …

Barriers To Effective Technology Adoption And Integration, Tyler Wiegert

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study reviews the available literature to identify the barriers to technology adoption, which encompasses professional, efficiency-driven uses of technology by teachers and students, and to technology integration, which encompasses pedagogically sound, student-learning-driven uses of technology in the classroom. It also seeks to explore the relationship between the ongoing emphasis and pressure to adopt and integrate technology and occurrences of teacher burnout. Factors influencing technology adoption were determined to include demographic factors, teacher beliefs and attitudes toward technology, and self-efficacy. Technology integration was influenced by similar factors, as well as district-level policies and professional development. Technology adoption and integration efforts …

Teacher’S Block: Embracing The Challenge Of Improving Students’ Writing, Neil Witzig

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper will explain the overall trend of worsening writing abilities in the past twenty years of education. The purpose of the paper is to analyze this downward trend, examine different methodologies for teaching writing, and propose solutions on how to better approach writing instruction. The challenges with teaching writing range from the difficulty of getting technology absorbed students to focus on one task for a long period of time to also the problem of giving each student individual feedback on their work – an essential element of writing instruction. The research reviewed shows this downward trend in writing assessment …

Ebp: House Wide Education, Melinda Jennings

Nursing Posters

The purpose of this evidence-based practice project is to improve the content and quality of Computer Based Training (CBT) education and reduce the average CBT module time, through the application of evidence-based guiding principles for CBT content and development, compared to previous practice of ineffective guidelines.

Beyond Greed Is Good: Pop Culture In The Business Law Classroom, Felice Batlan, Joshua Bass

All Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

How Did You Study For The Test? Measuring The Impact Of An Online Study Skills Module, Matt Farrell, Shannon Maheu

Faculty & Staff Publications - Language & Liberal Studies

The rationale for this project is rooted in the importance of students engaging in effective study habits in preparation for exams at the collegiate level. Many investigations into study habits rely on student self reporting. In this project we use online student activity data to supplement survey responses and attempt to determine whether an online study skills module a) impacted exam performance and b) changed student study habits. Students in online and blended courses were provided with an online study skills module that recommended effective study strategies. We examined clickstream data to identify the students who accessed the study skills …

How Do We Teach Them All? A Needs Analysis For A Pre-Sessional Egap Curricular Review, Angela Meyer Sterzik

Faculty & Staff Publications - ELI

Making EAP course outcomes congruent with post-secondary demands requires a needs analysis, in which a target situation analysis is imperative (Bocanegra-Valle, 2016; Hyland, 2016; Cabinda, 2013; Rosenfeld, Leung, & Oltman, 2001; Upton, 2012). This article details the theoretical considerations for a needs analysis, and reports the quantitative findings of a target situation analysis completed for a pre-sessional EGAP program at a Canadian College. 51 Professors from the college and a university completed questionnaires ranking academic tasks necessary for postsecondary success in all four language skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). 25 of the 43 language tasks were identified as …

Introductory Information Systems Course Redesign: Better Preparing Business Students, Gina Harden, Robert M. Crocker, Kelly Noe

Faculty Publications

Aim/Purpose The dynamic nature of the information systems (IS) field presents educators with the perpetual challenge of keeping course offerings current and relevant. This paper describes the process at a College of Business (COB) to redesign the introductory IS course to better prepare students for advanced business classes and equip them with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills demanded in today’s workplace.

Background The course was previously in the Computer Science (CSC) Department, itself within the COB. However, an administrative restructuring resulted in the CSC department’s removal from the COB and left the core course in limbo.

Methodology This paper presents a …

Considering Ells When Planning Lessons, Jim Ewing

Faculty Publications

Teachers typically prepare lesson plans for non-ELLs and then attempt to “retrofit” lesson plans for ELLs. This article offers suggestions for planning mathematics lessons that meet ELLs’ needs.

Collaboration And Connections: Investigating The Use Of Teacher Candidate-Created Protocols To Connect Research To Classroom Practice In An Educator Preparation Program, Jannah Walters Nerren, Tracey Covington Hasbun

Faculty Publications

This study investigated the effects of using teacher candidate-created observation protocols based on current research on classroom practices to connect research to practice. The study examined the extent to which mentor teachers modeled current research-based practices as measured by the protocols and explored the frequency with which the practices were observed. Findings indicated that teacher candidates had a positive experience applying research to practice, that utilization of the protocols created an awareness of best practices being used, and the importance of individualizing the practices to meet student needs. Individualization of utilization based on mentor teacher personalities was also observed and …

Use Of Video Feedback In The Training Of Pre-Service Teachers, Amanda Andrews, Linda Bobo, Amy Spurlock

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to use video feedback in the training of pre-service clinical educators. Thirty athletic training teacher participants were randomly placed in one of three equal groups where they were provided with the following interventions: a) teaching seminar and opportunity to observe video of teaching; b) teaching seminar; and c) control group. These groups were videotaped for eight consecutive weeks while teaching clinical skills. The researchers analyzed the feedback provided by the teachers using a modified version of the Fishman’s Augmented Feedback Instrument. Allowing teachers the opportunity to view their videotapes with guided feedback showed that …

China's Soft Power Aims In South Asia: Experiences Of Nepalese Students In China's Internationalization Of Higher Education, Romi Jain

ETD Archive

Internationalization of higher education is a major characteristic of China's higher education policy. Accordingly, the Chinese government is fervently encouraging the spread of Chinese language and culture through Confucius Institutes, student exchange programs, recruitment of international students, and international collaborations. South Asia is no exception to China's higher education outreach. Against this background, this qualitative study examined experiences of South Asian students with regard to China's higher education program(s) in relation to the explicit and implicit aims of China's soft power policy. Soft power refers to the power of attraction and co-optation, which is based on a nation's intangible resources …

The Challenge Of Adapting Existing Qualifications For Inclusion In The Nqf: Lessons Learned From The Twinning Project In Macedonia, Emilia Danowska-Florczyk, Horacy Debowski, Maciej Lasota, Agata Poczmansksa, Barbara Przybylska, Stanislaw Slawinski

Level 3

Adapting existing qualifications to a national qualifications framework (NQF) and to the requirements of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is one of the key elements of the process of developing and establishing a country’s NQF. Many countries have to tackle the challenge of adapting existing qualifications to the NQF and EQF requirements. This also pertains to Macedonia, which is currently in the process of implementing a qualifications system based on a national qualifications framework.

An international Twinning project took place in Macedonia in 2016-2017, entitled Further improvement of the system for development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework. …

An Investigation Into The Decline In The Use Of Fresh Potatoes And The Increased Demand For Processed Potato Products In The Foodservice Sector In The Leinster Area, Emily Gray

Level 3

The aim of this article is to examine the decline in use of fresh potatoes and the increased demand for processed potato products in the foodservice sector in Leinster. The study focused on the consumption and use of potatoes by chefs, restauranteurs, hoteliers, and managers in the foodservice sector. This was achieved by a survey questionnaire of one hundred and ten establishments of which sixty-five responded. The research also involved examination of background information and past literature, investigating when the decline of the potato occurred and the cause of that decline, and comparing data from the retail sector to the …

The Wicked Problem Of Including Non-Formal, Cpd Micro-Qualifications In National Qualification Frameworks (Nqfs): A Think-Piece, Anne Murphy

Level 3

This think-piece was written in advance of the concluding conference for the EU Erasmus+ Project: NQF-IN – ‘Developing organisational and financial models for including non-formal sector qualifications in national qualifications frameworks’, Warsaw, 5-6 June 2018. The main purpose of the conference is/was to present the draft analytical report on models of inclusion based on seven country reports produced by the project partners from Poland, France, Ireland, Croatia, Scotland, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The conference also intended to present a wider EU perspective from the EQF-LLL and a global perspective from UNESCO on the main theme. Participants from circa sixteen …

Mlearning Device Usage And Self Efficacy By Higher Education Faculty For Professional Activities: A Case Study, Elbert Davis

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This study examined the level of use and the level of self-efficacy use of mLearning devices for faculty at one university. The study also examined the relationship between use and self-efficacy levels, and the challenges faced by faculty members concerning the use of mLearning devices for professional activities. A mixed-methods model was used to complete the study. A 17-item self-report survey was developed by the researcher to determine the frequency of use, and the self-efficacy level of faculty concerning professional activities. An interview protocol was used to collect additional information from selected respondents. Findings indicated statistically significant differences in mean …

Perceptions Of The Importance And Integration Of High-Impact Practices In Traditional Versus Online Learning, Melissa Martin Farrish

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the differences, if any, in the perceived importance and the level of integration of high-impact practices in traditional versus online courses/programs by faculty and administrators of institutions in the Appalachian College Association. The study further identifies the perceptions of faculty and administrators regarding the importance of high-impact practices based upon selected demographics and the level of integration of high-impact practices based upon selected demographics. Finally, this study investigates the benefits and challenges experienced by educators in their attempt to incorporate high-impact practices in courses/programs and identifies other successful strategies in …

Effective Ipad Instruction: A Qualitative Study Comparing Classroom Practices To The Technology Integration Matrix, Bridget Phillips

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Technology has become a natural part of our students’ lives. The use of iPads in classrooms has increased, and educators are becoming more experienced using them during instruction. Research needs to focus on providing educators with examples of effective instructional practices with iPads. To provide samples of effective instruction, this qualitative study used evidence from classroom observations and aligned the lessons to the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM). Lessons were observed and aligned to the Adoption, Adaptation, and Infusion levels of the TIM with Active, Collaborative, Constructive, and Authentic learning attributes. In addition this study investigated the perceptions teachers and principals …

The Value Of Career And Technical Education In Addressing College And Career Readiness And The Ill-Prepared Workforce: A Study Of The Perceptions Of Community College Administrators And Instructors; District High School Administrators, And Guidance Counselors, And Cte Department; And A Workforce Employer In North Carolina, Kamina A. Fitzgerald

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the perceptions of community college administrators and instructors; district high school administrators, guidance counselors, and CTE department; and a workforce employer of the value of career and technical education. This study also examined the historical and present perceptions of the district- and state-level officials regarding career and technical education and its ability to address the issue of an ill-prepared workforce and college readiness.

Data were collected from several sources. Quantitative data were collected in the form of questionnaires to administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, and a workforce employer in North Carolina. The quantitative data can be used to …

A Study Of Rigor, Teacher Self-Efficacy, And Student Achievement In Three High Schools In A Rural School District In Eastern North Carolina, Katrina Hannon Cobb

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study investigated the importance of rigor and teacher efficacy in relation to student achievement. There are several definitions of the word rigor. Blackburn (2008) defined rigor as “An environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels” (p. 16). ACT/SAT data, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the High School Survey of Student Engagement (HSSSE), and the High School Reform and Work all conclude that students who are college and career ready have graduated …

Filling The Reading Void: Studying Reading Stamina In A Suburban High School Through Action Research: A Companion Research Study, Lindsey Weycker

Education Dissertations and Projects

A common practice in elementary schools is to allow students silent reading time during school. Experts agree this is best practice due to the benefits to students, especially in vocabulary development and reading stamina. As students age, however, this practice tends to decline in favor of activities that are meant to teach vocabulary in isolation and test preparation skills. In addition to these activities, English language arts classes typically read and study novels together as a class for the purpose of studying literary devices and literary analysis. Because of these practices, secondary students tend to read less, which in turn …