Educational Methods Commons^™

Effects Of Mindfulness Practice On The Academic, Cognitive, And Psychological Outcomes Of First And Second Language Learners: A Literature Review, Tami L. Noblet

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this literature review on Mindfulness and metacognitive studies conducted in a school setting between 1983-2018 was twofold. The first was to investigate the effects of mindfulness on the academic, cognitive, and psychological outcomes of students in a school setting on the general student population as well as language learners. The second was to compare the effectiveness of various mindfulness techniques. In the majority of the studies, mindfulness, particularly Transcendental Meditation (TM), positively impacted student academic, cognitive, and psychological outcomes. Overall, this analysis supports the incorporation of routine mindfulness practice in any school curriculum.

Physical Activity In The Secondary Classroom, Rebecca Streit Nelson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to review literature related to exercise breaks in the secondary classroom. There is a current nation-wide effort to increase active behavior in our youth. Secondary teachers and administrators are finding new methods to incorporate exercise in the classroom based on professional and personal interests and Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. Research reviewed on exercise breaks includes cognitive and attentional benefits and variables to consider when planning exercise breaks. Most research identifies a positive correlation between exercise breaks in the secondary classroom and increases in cognitive or attentional benefits for students. No major negative impacts …

Utilizing Technology To Leverage The Improvement Of 21st Century Skills, Jon Reker

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As technology integration becomes the norm in society, the field of education must adapt to the usage of technology, to prepare future citizens in the workforce. Educators can use a framework of 21st-century skills, to assess if they are preparing students how to leverage technology capabilities. There are questions related to the effectiveness of technology in developing higher level thinking skills or if the information and communication technologies need to be taught explicitly to digital natives that have grown up immersed in technology. Many researchers are seeking to find ways to integrate 21st-century skills into curriculum and content areas, along …

Student Achievement Outcomes, Classroom Engagement, And Perceptions Of The Flipped Classroom, Laura M. Sandberg

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to review the literature surrounding the flipped classroom in K-12 and post-secondary education levels. The literature review highlighted the effects of the flipped classroom on student achievement outcomes and levels of engagement, and perceptions of the flipped classroom, as noted by both students and instructors. The literature reveals a weak relationship between the flipped classroom and student achievement outcomes but shows a moderate increase in student engagement levels in several empirical studies. Student perceptions of the flipped classroom are positive, with autonomy, flexibility, and active learning being integral to this model’s success. Instructors have …

Factors Impacting Mathematically Literate Students, Erika Schmieg

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The question analyzed within this literature review is: what are common traits of mathematics learners and how can we utilize this information to promote mathematical literacy in the classroom? Mathematical literacy is a large factor in this development because it involves a person’s ability to utilize mathematics in a realistic and practical manner, therefore inhibiting or enhancing the STEM field. The research concluded that mathematical literacy is not affected by a single factor, but is a multifaceted concept that requires support in many areas of academics. It is recommended that students be taught in their primary language and in an …

Methods Of Creating An Effective Self-Guided Mathematics Classroom, Jody Jean Sielski

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There are a variety of ways to offer student-centered learning, self-guided is the one this literature review examined. Through research, a classroom with a self-guided system should include a way for students to access new content without needing the instructor. There should be a way to practice the new skill(s) and check their understanding with formative assessments. These assessments should be self-graded, so the students get immediate feedback. It is also beneficial for students to use the content to collaborate with peers and/or play games to solidify the newly acquired skill(s). During all of this, the students should have the …

Impact Of Art Education On Student Development And Achievement, Shanna Marie Slice

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The significance of art education as a part of public education in America has been greatly debated since public education’s inception. While the most recently passed education bill includes art as a part of a well-rounded education, there is a simultaneous shift in focus towards standardized test scores. This raises several questions around art education’s impact not only on standardized test scores but on the academic and personal development of students. The current relevant research shows compelling evidence that art education does positively impact critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving skills. However, there is inconclusive evidence whether art education positively …

Teacher-Student Relationships And Their Impact On Student Achievement In School, Cassandra Ann Woodis

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review addresses teacher-student relationships (TSRs) and their impact on student achievement in school. Research was collected from peer-reviewed articles and journals on the importance of TSRs, barriers that can make it difficult to develop these relationships, and strategies that teachers can use to build strong relationships with students. Research shows that TSRs between teachers and students have a large impact on students’ achievement in school. Positive TSRs increase student motivation and academic success, while negative relationships hinder students’ cognitive development and desire to participate in academic tasks and routines. Students’ backgrounds, their prior experience in school, and teachers’ …

If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It: Building An Escape Room To Meet Learning Needs, Katherine A. Schulz, Melinda Jennings

Nursing Posters

Use an Escape Room as an effective learning strategy to fill a gap in knowledge and practice in a fun, interactive, and competitive learning atmosphere.

Dungeon Classroom Guide: Using Tabletop Role-Playing Games In The Classroom, Gannon Youakim

Honors Capstone Projects

I’m writing this booklet to show educators why tabletop role-playing games are a useful academic tool.

I have loved teaching and tabletop role-playing games for a long time. I firmly believe they are both magical. As I’ve learned and experienced more of teaching and role-playing, I’ve come to discover their synergies. The goal of a classroom is to gather minds and learn through experience. The goal of a tabletop role-playing games is to gather minds and learn through experience. At first glance, the types of learning associated between the two don't seem to synchronize. Classrooms are formal; games are informal. …

Problem-Based Learning And Information Literacy: Revising A Technical Writing Class, Kelly Diamond

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This chapter discusses the collaboration between a librarian and faculty member to revise an online technical writing course using the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy, problem-based learning, and instructional design principles. The chapter outlines three components of course revision: 1) re-design online course to be more engaging to students as well as easier to navigate; 2) create assignments and activities to mirror actual workplace writing tasks; 3) develop research assignments focused on information literacy skills used in the workplace. Using elements from ADDIE (Analyze; Design; Develop; Implement; Evaluate) and Backward Design, the course …

We Would If We Could: Examining Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-Efficacy In A Middle School Mathematics Methods Course, Jamaal R. Young, Jemimah L. Young, Brandon L. Fox, Earl R. Levingston Jr., Alana Tholen

Faculty Publications

Despite mounting evidence of the pedagogical importance of culturally responsive teaching, many teachers do not implement culturally responsive practices in their classrooms. The purpose of this study was to investigate pre-service mathematics teachers’ culturally responsive teaching and outcome expectancy in order to inform teacher preparation in mathematics methods courses. Participants completed the Culturally Responsive Teaching Self-efficacy Scale (CRTSE) and the Culturally Response Teaching Outcome Expectancy (CRTOE) Scale. Results suggest that middle school mathematics teachers were only moderately efficacious in their ability to implement culturally responsive teaching practices, despite strong beliefs in the instructional utility of culturally responsive teaching practices.

Facilitating Collaboration Through A Co-Teaching Field Experience, Mark S. Montgomery, Adam Akerson

Faculty Publications

This article describes an action research project in which two teacher educators implemented a co-teaching field experience with pre-service teacher candidates acting as co-teachers to facilitate collaboration among peers. The goal of the action research was to better meet the needs of pre-service teacher candidates and continually develop their ability to grow as reflective and collaborative future teaching educators. To increase collaboration, co-teaching models were implemented in an early field experience. Teaching activities and assignments provided opportunities for collaboration as co-teachers and as members of a teaching community. Data collection and observations indicate peer-to-peer co-teaching helped create a collaborative atmosphere …

Revising The Fcs Teacher Standards: Aligning For The 21st Century, Nancy Shepherd

School of Human Sciences Research Showcase

The national standards for teachers of Family and Consumers Sciences (FCS) represent a model of what a new teacher in FCS should know and be able to do. The recent revision process and rationale for expansion of the standards is outlined including validation for the addition of lab management and a stand-alone wellness standards. Members of the National Association of Teacher Educators for Family and Consumer Sciences (NATEFACS) considered implications for the educator and the classroom such as curriculum revisions in teacher preparation programs, better prepared professionals and improved messaging to those outside the profession.

Factors That Influence The Implementation Of Restorative Practices In An Urban District: The Role Of Forgiveness And Endorsement, Wanda L. Lash

ETD Archive

In spite of extant research on the impact of zero-tolerance policies on racial disparity and negative academic outcomes, exclusionary discipline still abounds, which urges the need for alternatives to this policy. Current research suggests approaches like restorative justice and restorative practices as a promising alternative to zero-tolerance policies where, through its use, students can find acceptance for who they are and learn how to handle conflict, accept responsibility, repair relationships, exercise forgiveness, and belong to a community. The specific problem becomes identifying the factors that make implementation of restorative justice programs in the educational setting impactful. The purpose of this …

Which Of The Following Is True: We Can Write Better Multiple Choice Questions, Emily Rauschert, Suann Yang, Rachel M. Pigg

Biological, Geological, and Environmental Faculty Publications

In August of 2018, we held a workshop for ecological educators on best practices for writing multiple-choice questions at the annual Ecological Society of America (ESA) meeting. Here, we summarize the highlights from the pedagogical literature and our own experiences that we shared with workshop participants, along with their insights. The feedback we received at the end of the workshop suggested a need for more pedagogical training opportunities at future conferences.

I Wish School Was Like This: One Teacher's Journey Towards Creating A Student-Led Learning Space, Angela Dawn Abbott

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to use the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach to change how children in a high poverty school in West Virginia are educated. Specifically, this study was an exploration of the learning space as a third teacher, teachers as researchers, and giving students agency in their learning. A philosophy supporting emergent and participatory inquiry was developed and carried out for this project. Data were collected using several qualitative methods such as participant observation, discussion, interviews, photo elicitation, and student work. Conclusions from this project include: that there is potential of using space as a …

A Grounded Theory Exploration Of Teacher Grading Practices, Ingrid Rockhead

Education Dissertations and Projects

An examination of the history of grading reveals that many of the problems associated with current traditional grading practices are not new. Despite impassioned pleas from researchers and grading experts, practices such as assigning zeros on a percentage grading scale, assigning grades for practice such as homework and classwork while students are still learning, using the mean to report on students’ overall grades, and not allowing reassessments continue to occur. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe and report on Title I teachers’ grading practices and explain using grounded theory methods, the influences on those practices. This study …

The Relationship Between Adolescent Students' Motivation To Read And College- And Career-Ready Achievement, Brianne Elizabeth Schoch

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study examined the relationship between student motivation to read and college- and career-ready achievement. The participants were 60 eighth-grade students from a middle school in western North Carolina. Pitcher’s et al. (2007) Adolescent Motivation to Read Profile (AMRP) survey instrument was used to collect data on student motivation to read and its subsets of self-concept as reader and value of reading. Academic achievement was measured by the North Carolina READY End-of-Grade Assessment English Language Arts/Reading for Grade 8 (NC READY ELA/R 8). Descriptive statistics revealed students could be described as neither having a positive or negative value of reading; …

Elementary Teacher Perceptions Of Eureka Math, Lindsay Harmon Walker

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of elementary teachers teaching the Eureka Math program using a mixed methods approach. The participants were Grades K-5 elementary teachers from 10 elementary schools within the same school district located in the southwestern region of North Carolina. Quantitative data were collected via a 4-point Likert scale survey distributed via Google Forms. Qualitative data were collected via an open-ended question from the survey and an interview group. The data were collected to answer the research question, “How do elementary teachers experience teaching mathematics using the Eureka Math program?” The researcher designed …

Annual Activity Report Center For Advancing Faculty Excellence: The Inaugural Year Ay 2017-2018, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

CAFE Annual Activity Reports

No abstract provided.

A Program Evaluation Of The Degree Program For Students With Behavioral Difficulties, Gail Whisnant

Education Dissertations and Projects

This study used a qualitative approach to explore a rural school district’s DEGREE program through parent and staff member perspectives using Stufflebeam’s (2003) CIPP model of program evaluation. Interviews and questionnaire data provided information to answer the following research questions: 1. Context: What is the context within which the DEGREE program was developed and implemented? 2. Input: What types of academic and behavioral interventions are taught? 3. Process: How are the objectives of the DEGREE program aligned with improving student academic and behavioral goals? 4. Product: What is the impact of the DEGREE program regarding student ability to transition back …

The Teacher's Role In Student Engagement, Anita Grove

Education Dissertations and Projects

This research study examines teacher expectations and perceptions and provides an understanding of the teacher’s role in student engagement. A wide array of factors—both within and beyond the classroom—can influence student engagement. To begin the process of improving student engagement, it is essential for educators to reflect on the elements that contribute to student engagement. Research questions addressed associations between the variables of teacher expectations, teacher perceptions, and student engagement measured by a Likert Item Teacher Survey; Teacher Expectations, Perceptions and Instructional Practices Questionnaire; and a Student Engagement Observation Tool. The results indicate there is a need for resources and …

Administrator Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Lead Digital Learning Initiatives Through Observing, Modeling, And Providing Feedback For The Effective Utilization Of Technology In A Digitally Rich Environment, Kristin L. Edwards

Education Dissertations and Projects

With the rapid increase in device usage in classrooms, it is imperative that administrators know and understand pedagogical principles within digitally rich environments. This qualitative study sought to understand administrator preparedness for leading digital learning initiatives in the areas of observing, modeling, and offering constructive feedback in digitally rich environments. The Principals Technology Leadership Assessment (PTLA) and focus groups were used to conduct the research. A chi-square goodness of fit was used to compare the responses of the PTLA to the original PTLA study. Focus group results were analyzed for emerging themes. Gaps were identified as indicated by the ISTE-A …

The Impact Of Common Core Mathematics Professional Development On Elementary Mathematics Teaching Self-Efficacy And The Resulting Effects On Their Student Achievement, Alissa Smith Lee

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine the impact of professional development on elementary mathematics teaching self-efficacy as well as the influence of teacher self-efficacy on student achievement. Statistical t tests were used to analyze the dispersion of the teachers’ personal mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs (PMTE) and mathematics teaching outcome expectancy efficacy beliefs (MTOE). To develop a broader perspective, a qualitative analysis of interview data was implemented. Unlike the results from the quantitative data, the qualitative data in this study revealed that meaningful participation in professional development increased teacher performance as well as enhanced their mathematical teaching efficacy. …

Design Thinking And Methods In Library Practice And Graduate Library Education, Rachel Ivy Clarke, Ann Rosenblad, Satyen Amonkar

School of Information Studies - Faculty Scholarship

Despite interest in the application of design thinking and methods in librarianship, there seems to be a disconnect between application and education to support it. This study used an online

questionnaire to elicit feedback from library workers in the United States about interest in and use of design thinking and methods in library practice, and the need for design skills and abilities in library education. We found that practicing librarians perceive the relevance of design thinking and methods to library work, although opinions vary based on library and work type. Design thinking and methods were used mostly for space planning …

Teachers And Creativity In The Classroom, Krystal Dawn Flanders

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fostering creativity within the classroom can have numerous positive and lasting effects that support students in becoming adults who are inquisitive, curious, critical thinkers, as well as risk takers (Amabile & Kramer, 2012; Beghetto, 2015; Craft, 2003; Csikszentmihalyi, 2013; Hennessy, 2017; Piirto, 2004; Starko, 2018). Sternberg (2007) argues that, since the world is changing at a faster pace than ever before, students will need to continuously deal with new and unusual tasks and situations. Although the research identifies the importance of creativity in the classroom, the research also finds a trend in teachers' limited understanding of what creativity is and …

Measuring Metacognitive Awareness: Applying Multiple, Triangulated, And Mixed-Methods Approaches For An Encompassing Measure Of Metacognitive Awareness, Andrew J. Hughes

Educational Leadership & Technology Faculty Publications

The article provides an overview of the quantitative analysis of teachers’ metacognitive awareness. The purpose of the overview is to express the need for encompassing measures of metacognition for improving metacognitive awareness in the field of technology and engineering education. The data presented come from using the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory to measure technology and engineering teachers’ metacognitive awareness at the end of 2 specific professional development (PD) programs. The study had a sample size of 21. Participants were combined into 3 groups based on their participation in the PD programs. Group 1 consisted of teachers that actively participated in the …

Curiosity Over Kindness: Discovering The Importance Of Student Assets, Dana Wolfson

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This research explores the argument that it is important to know students well through understanding the assets students bring with them to school. I aim to explore the kinds of assets students bring with them to their experiences at school, why it is important for teachers to get to know and make use of students’ assets, and the methods teachers can use to get to know student assets. Undergirding this exploration of the importance of student assets in school is the through line that the racial, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds of both teacher and student deeply impact the ways that …

2019 Nsse, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Assessment Center Reports

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) reports produced by the SWOSU Assessment Center.