Secondary Education Commons^™

Epistemology Shock: English Professors Confront Science, Ian Barnard, Jan Osborn

English Faculty Articles and Research

This article raises questions and concerns regarding students from the sciences working with faculty in the humanities in interdisciplinary settings. It explores the experience of two English professors facing the privileging of "facts" and a science-based understanding of the world in their own classrooms. It poses both questions and pedagogical possibilities for addressing conflicts around epistemologies, scholarship, and teaching and learning.

The Curriculum Development Of Experienced Teachers Who Are Inexperienced With History-Based Pedagogy, John Bickford

Faculty Research and Creative Activity

Contemporary American education initiatives mandate half of all English language arts content is non-fiction. History topics, therefore, will increase within all elementary and English language arts middle level classrooms. The education initiatives have rigorous expectations for students’ close readings of, and written argumentation about, numerous texts representing multiple perspectives about the same historical event, era, or figure. Practicing English language arts teachers must adjust pedagogy accordingly. They cannot utilize a single, whole-class novel with comprehension questions as an assessment. With teaching experience but not formal training in history-based pedagogy, they are adaptive experts. This qualitative study explores how English language …

University Rankings: Evidence And A Conceptual Framework, Jonathan G.S. Koppell, Jacob Fowles, H. George Frederickson

Publications from President Jonathan G.S. Koppell

University ranking has high public visibility, the ranking business has flourished, and institutions of higher education have not been able to ignore it. This study of university ranking presents general considerations of ranking and institutional responses to it, particularly considering reactions to ranking, ranking as a self-fulfilling prophecy, and ranking as a means of transforming qualities into quantities. The authors present a conceptual framework of university ranking based on three propositions and carry out a descriptive statistical analysis of U.S. and international ranking data to evaluate those propositions. The first proposition of university ranking is that ranking systems are demarcated …

The Effects Of Flipped Learning On Students In Secondary Education, Abigail M. Fish

Graduate Research Papers

As schools incorporate flipped instruction into the classroom, it is important to understand the effectiveness of flipped learning and its pedagogical shift. This literature review analyzed 24 peer-reviewed empirical studies out of 30 articles that explore the effectiveness of flipped learning versus a traditional learning style on student achievement and student engagement in general and the promotion of student-centered learning activities when using a flipped learning environment in particularly. Studies selected for the review were conducted in secondary classrooms after the year 2000 with sound research methodology.

The major findings reveal that flipped learning can lead to higher student achievement …

An Examination Of An Online Tutoring Program's Impact On Low-Achieving Middle School Students' Mathematics Achievement, Shanan Chappell,, Pamela Arnold, John Nunnery, Melva R. Grant

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the impact of synchronous online tutoring services on struggling middle school students’ mathematics achievement. The online tutoring was provided as a response to intervention (RTI) Tier 3 support (intensive, individualized intervention) in schools implementing a school-wide mathematics program that addresses Tier 1 (high-quality classroom instruction) and Tier 2 (small group interventions). We employed quasi-experimental, within- and between-group designs to examine impacts for 119 students in two schools to measure the tutoring’s impact on mathematics assessment scores. We also conducted qualitative analyses of student and tutor postsession commentary. The findings suggest …

An Exploration Of Student Experiences With Learner-Centered Instructional Strategies, Jill E. Stefaniak, Monica W. Tracey

STEMPS Faculty Publications

In this exploratory study, we examined how undergraduate students experience learning in a learner-centered teaching environment and their perceptions of motivation towards learning material in an introductory public speaking communications course. Six faculty members participated in a semester-long study where their teaching strategies were observed. Three faculty members participated in a cognitive apprenticeship where they were taught how to implement learner-centered instructional strategies into their coursework. Participants were 109 students who were enrolled in an introductory public speaking course. Data was collected by means of classroom observations, interviews, and the administration of a survey. Our findings indicated that students who …

Teac 451p: Learning And Teaching Principles And Practices (Secondary Mathematics)—A Peer Review Of Teaching Project Benchmark Portfolio, Lorraine Males

UNL Faculty Course Portfolios

The goal of my peer review portfolio was to better understand how to improve students' learning of how to teach secondary mathematics in reform-oriented ways. Most students that pursue admission into the Secondary Mathematics Teacher Education Program have little to no experience learning mathematics in reform-oriented ways. These preservice teachers (PSTs) were “successful” in mathematics courses in middle and high school, most of them taking honors or accelerated courses. However, many of these PSTs did not have opportunities to engage as active participants in their own learning and develop complex cognitive skills and processes, the focus of reform-oriented instruction. This …

Career And Technical Education: A Best Kept Secret In Modern Education, Michael Kosloski

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The educational community continuously searches for the most proven and effective methods that enhance learning. One of the most successful and proven methods for academic success for all students is career and technical education. This article provides a description and explanation of why CTE is effective, as well as presents empirical finding to support CTE as a sound educational tool for the modern learner.

The Growth Of Single-Sex Schools: Federal Policy Meets Local Needs And Interests, Katherine Cumings Mansfield

Educational Leadership Publications

Changes to Title IX allowing the growth of single-sex schools have garnered media attention promoting the benefits of separating boys and girls. Alternately, civil rights groups such as the ACLU continue to oppose any type of school segregation. Within this context, a private philanthropy, the Foundation for the Education of Young Women (FEYW) has established public-private partnerships with six Texas school districts to open all-girls’ public college prep magnet schools with plans to expand. This multi-year ethno-historical case study explores the meaning making of one community in the FEYW network as it attempts to make sense of federal policy at …

The Mathematics Portfolio: An Alternative Tool To Evaluate Students’ Progress, Marla A. Sole

Publications and Research

This article describes the need for more thorough and varied forms of assessment to evaluate students’ level of understanding in mathematics. Portfolios are one type of assessment tool that, when added to a teacher’s repertoire can improve students’ comprehension and retention and enable students to monitor their own progress and to take more responsibility for their own learning. Portfolio assignments can also help students and teachers to detect and remedy weaknesses and misunderstandings and can increase students’ self-confidence in mathematics. This article discusses what a portfolio is, gives an example of a unit portfolio used in an undergraduate Finite Mathematics …

Book Review: Rti With Differentiated Instruction, Grades 6 - 8: A Classroom Teacher's Guide, By J. O'Meara (2011), Hope E. Wilson

Faculty Publications

As school districts across the country move toward Response to Intervention (RTI) as a standardized way to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom, Jodi O’Meara’s book provides practical and relevant information for middle level (grades 6 through 8) teachers on best practices for incorporating RTI and differentiation into their instruction, assessment, and pedagogy.

An Investigation Of Higher-Order Thinking Skills In Smaller Learning Community Social Studies Classrooms, Christopher Fischer, Linda Bol, Shana Pribesh

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

This study investigated the extent to which higher-order thinking skills are promoted in social studies classes in high schools that are implementing smaller learning communities (SLCs). Data collection in this mixed-methods study included classroom observations and in-depth interviews. Findings indicated that higher-order thinking was rarely promoted in SLC classes. Interview data suggests several factors affecting teaching for higher-order thinking in SLC social studies classrooms. These include: high stakes testing, pacing pressures, teachers' dispositions and training, and teacher autonomy.

Differentiated Instruction In The Secondary Social Studies Classroom, Chad A. Christopher

Graduate Research Papers

As an educator with fifteen years of experience, this author has experienced the frustrations of having to teach a wide range of student abilities at the secondary social studies level. There is a lot of support for differentiated instruction for special education, TAG, and elementary students, but there seems to be questions about the practicality and effectiveness of it in a secondary classroom.

The issues discussed in this paper will focus on the following questions: 1) Does Differentiated Instruction affect student learning? 2) Can Differentiated Instruction be implemented with secondary teachers in a practical way to help student learning and …

The Impact Of An Urban Outreach Teaching Project: Developing Cultural Competence, Carol H. Ott, Lynn H. Doyle

Educational Leadership & Workforce Development Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to explore the development of cultural competence in a group of university nursing students in the context of an interactive substance abuse prevention project attached to a health promotion course with 414 racially diverse high school students. The project provided opportunities for contact, interaction, and reflection. A descriptive approach was utilized to elicit the meaning attached to the experience. Data included written content from an exit survey, field notes from onsite debriefings, transcriptions of a focus group interview, and an analysis of theoretical papers. Findings indicate that when university students participate in an urban …

Communication Barriers Between Teenagers & Parents About Sex & Sex-Related Topics: A Survey Of Teenagers In Sex Education Class, Karen Bonnell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Public concern about teenage pregnancy and the threat of sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS make sex education information vital for today's teenagers. A 1986 Harris survey of 1,000 teenagers cited parents as their primary source of sex education information, but 42% said they would be too nervous or afraid to bring up the subject of contraception or birth control with their parents. States like Kentucky have mandated sex education courses for all public schools to provide necessary instruction for teenagers.

This study identifies communication barriers which teenagers say prevent communication with their parents about sex and sex-related topics. Questionnaires were …

An Experimental Study Of The Effects Of Required Homework Review Versus Review On Request Upon Achievement, Dolores Dick

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

During the 1979-80 school year, two Algebra I classes were involved in a study to test the effects of two methods for reviewing homework problems on students' achievements and attitudes. One review procedure was to solve and explain each problem during the class period that followed the class period in which the homework assignment had been made. The other procedure involved solving and explaining only the problems that students requested to have reviewed. While one procedure was being used with one class, the other procedure was being used with the comparison class. One treatment procedure was used with a class …

Effects Of Diad Arrangement & Use Of Audio-Visual Materials On The Achievement Of Freshmen In Quantitative Physical Science Classes, Jim Duke

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purposes of this study were to compare the mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class in which the members were allowed to select their own partners with students in a Quantitative Physical Science class in which partners were assigned on the basis of high-low test scores and to compare mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class that used audio-visual material with the mean achievement of students in a Quantitative Physical Science class that used no audio-visual material.

The population consisted of sixty-eight ninth grade boys and girls enrolled in Quantitative Physical Science classes …

Teaching French Culture: A Unit Based Upon The Affective Value System, Carl Garrott

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was not simply to construct a unit but to provide an approach to teaching language by combining language and culture in appropriate for advanced high school students French.

For the purposes of this study seven affective values were chosen as representing the most suitable basic listings: (1) l'individualisme; (2) l'intellectualite; (3) le realisme; (4) la famine; (5) la religion; (6) is justice: and (7) la Patrie. armed with the seven values i-or the author of this project, and the grammatical skill, the next step was the actual composition of the historiettes. It became quickly apparent …

Ua3/4/1 Memorandum Re: Training School, James Carpenter

WKU Archives Records

Memorandum regarding programs instituted at the WKU Training School which "give evidence that we are breaking away from the traditional self-contained classroom and moving in the direction of progress in the future." Memo written by James Carpenter and sent to Tate Page. This copy is housed in UA3/4/1 WKU President's Office - Downing Subject File.

The Need For Instruction On International Communism, Lewis F. Powell, Jr.

Powell Speeches

No abstract provided.

Satement In Support Of Proposal To Teach Communism, Lewis F. Powell, Jr.

Powell Speeches

No abstract provided.

Quality In Education: A National Necessity, Lewis F. Powell Jr.

Powell Speeches

No abstract provided.

A Proposed School System For Metcalfe County, Kentucky, Thomas Butler

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study is to propose for Metcalfe County a school system that will come nearer meeting the standards of a good educational system than the one now in use. It is by no means expected that this proposed system will be perfect and the writer fully realizes that oftentimes a scheme on paper will not work out so well when actually put into practice. However, being acquainted with the amount of money available, the geographic and economic conditions, and the roads of the county it is the best that can be done under existing circumstances.

A Course Of Study For Plane Geometry, Robert Sherfey

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study involves the following divisions:

1. To build a course of study in plane geometry consisting of six units developed.
2. To suggest some ways of evaluating a course of study.

Education And Living: Volume 1, Ralph Borsodi

School of Living Documents

In Education and Living, a two-volume work, Borsodi elaborated the model of the School of Living. Most of volume one consists of a critique of “mis-education.” Most of that critique focuses on the problems of centralization; centralization of industry, the economy, politics and education. The second volume of Education and Living explains Borsodi’s vision of achieving decentralization in detail. The second volume is in two parts: Right-Education and Re-Education. It explains how to educate for the “Normal” human being and for achieving the “Normal” way of living. This is not the “normal” of the bell curve, the average of a …

Education And Living: Volume 2, Ralph Borsodi

School of Living Documents

In Education and Living, a two-volume work, Borsodi elaborated the model of the School of Living. Most of volume one consists of a critique of “mis-education.” Most of that critique focuses on the problems of centralization; centralization of industry, the economy, politics and education. The second volume of Education and Living explains Borsodi’s vision of achieving decentralization in detail. The second volume is in two parts: Right-Education and Re-Education. It explains how to educate for the “Normal” human being and for achieving the “Normal” way of living. This is not the “normal” of the bell curve, the average of a …

Safety In The School Shop, Hubert Dupin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study is to locate some of the existing problems of safety in the shop and remedy them by furnishing some means that the teacher may use in presenting a safety program in the school shop. Too many shop teachers have not realized the importance of safety, therefore, they have not organized their program on a safe basis.

A Course Of Study In Beginning Shorthand, Kathryn Mcfarlane

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The problem involves the following divisions:

1. To build a course of study in shorthand with all the units developed
2. To suggest means of evaluation of the course of study

Tests & Study Guides In Literature For Secondary Schools, Ida Nance

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

When the time came to choose a thesis subject, I immediately said Objective Tests Applicable to Collateral Reading. Having been told "nothing has been done along that line - almost nothing at all," I decided to extend my investigations to include any and all tests in high-school literature - tests for comprehension and appreciation, survey and achievement tests, and tests designed for collateral reading. Each phase of the study has been interesting, but I fear that I have remained somewhat partial to the unit first begun and have perhaps given it a bit more consideration than the other divisions have …

Is Formal Grammar Necessary In The High School?, Edward Ray

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This study does not attempt to decide which is the better method of presenting grammar to the high school pupil; that is a question which would require much more extensive research to answer. We are interested primarily in determining and evaluating the success in college formal grammar of students who have had formal grammar in high school as compared with the success of those who have not had high school formal grammar. The study, therefore, is an attempt to show the differences existing in preparation for college formal grammar on the part of the students who have had high school …