Educational Methods Commons^™

The Use Of 1:1 Technology To Motivate And Engage Students, Adam Huppert

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Growth of technology in the past decade has changed the educational system forever. Technology has been integrated into education to incorporate new tools for students to connect with the outside world. Students now have the opportunity to learn content in any way, anywhere, and anyhow they feel comfortable. In recent years, many school districts have rewritten their goals to include 1:1 device implementation and student-centered, personalized learning models. This thesis serves as a practical guide for implementation and pedagogy to maximize 1:1 technology implementation. The 21st century will boast jobs that can’t even be imagined currently. Preparing students with soft …

Understanding And Developing Motivation Within An Academic Setting, Katarina Marie Klem

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Developing, supporting, and encouraging academic motivation within the classroom through a wide variety of internal and external forces that develop and support academic motivation is essential in providing all students with a successful learning opportunity. This study seeks to uncover the fundamental principles that drive academic motivation, and how these drivers can continually be developed in order for students to achieve academic success. By examining the impacts of amotivation, self-efficacy, intrinsic and extrinsic reward systems, as well as the impact of relational social constructs, readers will better understand the foundations of academic motivation. Additionally, ways to enhance and develop academic …

Understanding The Adult Correctional Education Student: A Review Of Inhibiting Factors, Motivating Factors, And Effective Instructional Strategies For The Classroom, Kayla Ann Larson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In efforts to understand how to motivate adult learners within the correctional education setting, educators must be aware of the inhibiting and motivating factors that either hinder or improve student self-efficacy. While there are numerous factors that influence each, this study provides a focused lens to spotlight the major components of both the inhibiting factors being psychological hindrances, goals, and negative learning environments as well as the motivating factors being future aspirations, a sense of normalcy and goals for a better life for adult learners within the prison walls. These factors are then utilized in creating and executing effective instructional …

The Impact Project-Based Learning Has On Student Motivation And Academics, Haley Larson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to find new ways of motivating and engaging students this literature review aims to understand the main concepts of Project-Based Learning (PBL), what motivation is, and how it affects student academics. PBL is a teaching method that uses inquiry, collaboration, real-world scenarios, and community involvement through the use of projects. PBL is a student-driven method in which teachers help facilitate discussion while students create and drive the projects. Teachers assist and guide students in the right direction as they ask questions and find solutions. Many researchers found higher levels of student motivation with PBL classroom environments based …

Teaching Controversial Issues: Overcoming Obstacles And Using Best Practices, Maggie Lemay

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The teaching of controversial issues—those issues which have sparked a prolonged public debate or dispute, and usually, concerns matters of conflicting opinions or points of view—is a necessary and important aspect of any civics education program in the discipline of social studies. Despite this necessity and importance, research shows that teachers face many obstacles and challenges when teaching controversial issues. These obstacles include lack of training and time, fear of losing control, lack of community and legal support, the polarization of politics, access to the internet and social media, and, finally, teacher disclosure. The purpose of this thesis was to …

Best Practices For Teaching Social Studies In The Secondary Dual-Language Immersion Setting, Jonathan Mitchell

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Teaching Social Studies in the Dual-Language Immersion setting provides unique challenges and opportunities. This paper’s introduction provides a brief explanation of the classifications, terminology and history of Dual Language Immersion programs in the United States and in Minnesota. The literature review is divided into five sections, each covering a significant challenge for secondary social studies teachers in the Dual Language Immersion program. The first section reviews best practices for teaching historical thinking skills in the immersion setting. Those best practices include implementing a specific framework for analyzing primary sources and content-obligatory and content-compatible vocabulary for each unit. The second section …

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 …