Secondary Education Commons^™

Critical Thinking In High School Literature Classes, Simona Sarbu

Graduate Research Papers

This study presents a review of literature regarding critical thinking. Several definitions of critical thinking are compared and contrasted. Critical thinking is presented as a subset of higher-order thinking and affinities between critical thinking and other forms of higher-order thinking are examined. Questioning as a means of promoting critical thinking in high school literature classes is discussed from the perspective of reader-response theories.

Several questioning strategies that have the potential to promote critical thinking in high school literature classes are identified. These strategies are Questioning Circles, Questioning the Author, Design Conversations, Hierarchical Models of Questioning, Socratic Seminars, and Literature Circles. …

A Writing Instruction Tool For Valley High School, West Des Moines, Iowa, Kristine Milburn

Graduate Research Papers

As computer-based communication becomes increasingly popular, so does the need for effective and efficient writing skills. Individuals must express themselves formally and informally to others through writing; thus, the importance of writing goes beyond scholarly pursuits and pervades every facet of society today.

The focus of this paper is to examine the usefulness of a common evaluative and instructive language, specifically the Six-Trait Analytical Scoring Guide (developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Oregon), within a high school in order to encourage growth and success in student writing.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Steven A. Winters

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will examine how the role of the administration, teachers, community, and students, communication, staff development, and safety all affect the school's climate and culture. As Lyman (2000) found, the "culture of a school has important and far-reaching effects on the thinking and actions of students and teachers" (p. 145).

School-Based Prevention Of Adolescent Substance Abuse, Kristina Lorenzen

Graduate Research Papers

Because of the prevalence and serious consequences of adolescent substance abuse, it is necessary to review programming for prevention. Progress has been made in identifying effective prevention methods. However, there is a gap between what research has shown to be effective and the methods commonly used in most schools.

The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature and research on substance abuse prevention for adolescents. The following research questions were addressed: How prevalent is adolescent substance abuse? What specific factors put an adolescent at risk for substance abuse? Why are some programs considered ineffective? What components make an …

Best Books For Young Adults: Are Young Adults Reading Them?, Kathryn J. Bratland Kellner

Graduate Research Papers

The major aim of this research was to determine whether or not young adults are reading books from recommended reading lists. The study was conducted on a sample of 801 students in grades six through twelve who were administered a questionnaire survey designed to determine what young adults are reading and why they read. Overall, the data was quite consistent with similar studies that have been done. This study found that females read more than males and usually read because they want to while males read because they have to. Both genders prefer to read fiction over nonfiction. A small …

An Overview Of The Nature Of Science For K-12 Science Teachers, William J. Soesbe Iii

Graduate Research Papers

Recent publicity has emphasized the concern of American citizens over student performance in the sciences. In an effort to evaluate one aspect of kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula that may have contributed to this situation, a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the nature of science was developed into a philosophical paper. The findings are synthesized into an analysis of the nature of science that provides a broad outline of the subject and related issues. The nature of science is a way of knowing that when balanced with scientific content and processes aids in the development of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Troy E. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

In the classroom and in coaching we are able to affect certain groups of kids and hopefully touch their lives in a positive way. An administrator should be able to have an even greater impact on the school community and create a positive environment in which even more people will benefit. The greatest challenge will be to persuade people to make positive changes towards a common goal and vision. Rosalyn Carter in Maxwell (1994) said, "a leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they do not necessarily want to go, but ought to …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools: A Reflective Essay, John Speer

Graduate Research Papers

Coming from the classroom into the Leadership program, I felt that administration was a way in which a good teacher could more effectively make an impact upon an entire system rather than an isolated classroom. It is the opportunity to lead a building in creating an atmosphere and climate where every student benefits, not just the few in the teacher1 s room. Moving into the secondary principals hip this year, I still firmly believe that to be the case. An effective principal can help to create the type of atmosphere where great things can happen in education.

Curriculum Of The Dubuque Community School District In Relation To Industrial Technology Programs In The State Of Iowa, Boyd A. Card

Graduate Research Papers

This study was conducted to draw a comparison between the Industrial Technology course offerings available in Iowa high schools and those offered in the Dubuque Community School District (DCSD). The top twenty largest school districts grades nine to twelve in Iowa will be selected for this study. The survey will be in table format and sent to Industrial Technology teachers.

The Relationship Between Female Enrollment In Ninth Grade Industrial Technology Programs And Recruiting Efforts Made In The Eighth Grade Classroom, Scott J. Garwood

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this casual-comparative study was to investigate the effect of recruitment efforts made in the eighth grade Industrial Technology classroom on female enrollment in Industrial Technology at the ninth grade level. The treatment consisted of a fifteen minute presentation designed to generate interest in Industrial Technology among female students.

It was found that female enrollment in ninth grade Industrial Technology courses was 33% higher among those who received the treatment than those who did not. It was concluded that recruitment efforts made at the eighth grade level did have an effect on enrollment at the ninth grade level.

Anger Management For Adolescents In The School Setting, Meri A. Edel

Graduate Research Papers

The first purpose of this research paper will be to discuss what might be some of the origins of adolescent anger, as well as what specifically might provoke it. The discussion will center on such topics as family systems and how they react to anger displays, as well as social contexts in relation to anger. Second, this paper will include descriptions of several anger management programs which could be used in a school setting with adolescents. Specifically, it will include an overview of some of the most widely used programs, such as Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, small group counseling, active …

Developing A Community Service Program For High School Students, Ellen M. Hoefer

Graduate Research Papers

Youth leadership development within community service allows teenagers to serve others, to lead, and to contribute to society in ways that support positive roles, personal values, and communal beliefs in justice and equality. Ideally, community service learning builds supportive structures for youth leaders, encourages positive dialog around new relationships, and empowers others as competent and purposeful individuals.

Learning is not merely answering a teacher's questions to get a grade, but asking oneself questions to understand and to know what to do. When learning is from real life, and the consequences are real, one may have to question the surface appearance, …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Secondary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Joyce M. Bechtel

Graduate Research Papers

The term instructional leader encompasses many aspects. The instructional portion includes the knowledge base, the master teacher, the evaluator, the mediator, and the communicator with parents, community and teachers. The leader portion includes the perceptive director, the goal directed visionary, and the organizer with enthusiasm and energy.

Teachers depend on the principal to assist them in gaining instructional skills and utilizing curricular material that is necessary to teach effectively. The principal should be their master teacher and evaluator. As an evaluator, a principal will confer with and provide feedback to the staff, and will evaluate the education programs.

The Effects Of Book Location On The Selection Of Paperback Books By Patrons, Jeffrey C. Barker

Graduate Research Papers

The study considered whether changing the physical location of paperback books on the shelf from an eye-level position to a lower position on the shelves significantly affected the selection of books as measured by the number of charges of these books by sixth, seventh and eighth grade students at the South Tama Middle School library in Toledo, Iowa. A sample representing 20 percent of the paperback collection was selected and tracked over two, nine-week sessions in alternating eye-level and foot­ level locations to determine if there was a significant effect on selection by location. A chi-square (.05) analysis of the …

Cooperative Learning And Its Relationship To Motivation And Achievement When Working Math Lab Problems In Principles Of Technology, Mark Edwards Rhoads

Graduate Research Papers

Working together in a dynamic group process has been shown to be highly effective in maximizing learning outcomes and helping students realize greater academic and social skills (Glasser, 1986). A great deal of research has been conducted on the relationship of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic efforts and instructional methods (Johnson, Johnson & Holubec, 1988). Johnson and his associates in 1981 (as cited by Wood, 1987) revealed that instruction focusing on cooperation and collaboration resulted in significant gains in achievement, self-esteem and social development. Many viable and successful forms and hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic adherents have realized extraordinary successes using …

The Library Media Program And The Mildly Retarded Adolescent, Barbara Feuerhak

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a personal plan of enrichment on library use by thirteen mildly mentally retarded adolescents, ages 14-18, These students were members of a special education class at Tripoli High School, Tripoli, Iowa. Students were interviewed at the beginning and ending of the fall semester, 1988-1989, about their attitudes toward the library media center and staff. Before the study began the students did not use the library media center during any free periods at school by their own choice. They were observed daily during six observation weeks that fell at approximately …

A Comparison Study Of Teaching Basic Drafting Concepts Using Computer-Assisted Equipment And Traditional Methods To Beginning Drafting Students At The Secondary Level, Thomas K. Farmer

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine if basic drafting concepts and skills can be learned by students using computer-assisted drafting equipment as well as those students who were taught using traditional drafting equipment. The two methods used in this study were a traditional style, using drafting boards with drafting machines, and the second was using computer-assisted drafting equipment (CAD).

Integrating Mildly Handicapped Students In Industrial Arts Programs In Northeastern Iowa, William Martin Leonhart

Graduate Research Papers

The field of industrial arts is in a position to contribute considerably to the education of this group. It is this field of education that can prepare them personally, emotionally, socially, and economically to meet the demands of an adult industrial society. (Sharkey, 1964, p.17) The problem of this study ls to ascertain how industrial arts teachers can assist with the education of the educable mentally handicapped student, referred to in this paper as the Educable Mentally Handicapped (E.M.H.).

Oral History: A Curriculum Guide, Nancy Lee Geiken

Graduate Research Papers

The subject of this paper ls the development and design of a curriculum guide which facilitates teaching students how to complete an oral history of another person. The purpose of the research was to design an Oral History Unit for the Composition II course at Washington High School in Vinton, Iowa. Extensive research was done to determine that no curriculum guide existed which would meet the needs of the course and students.

Data were collected on a •typical• class at Washington High School. The school philosophy and objectives were studied, along with the course objectives. Based on research of the …

The Relationship Between Linguistic And Image Based Learning Approaches For Complex Problem Solving: A Case For Computer Generated Animation In Instructional Presentation Of Complex Technical Processes, Stanley T. Bissinger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to provide a rationale for development of new approaches to educating students about complex technical processes. This study may also prove helpful for determining what type of technical content is better suited for computer animated presentation.

The Relationship Between Teacher Sex Role Models And Career Aspirations Of High School Industrial Arts Students, Janet Lynn Robb

Graduate Research Papers

Sex role stereotyping has been the focus of a number of research projects trying to determine just where stereotyping lies and ways to eliminate it. Although most of the research points toward role modeling as a major cause, little has been done to test that theory.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between teacher sex role models and the career aspirations of students enrolled in high school industrial arts courses throughout the United States. This study was limited to tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students enrolled in industrial arts programs in high schools in the United …

Geometric Tolerances, Clifford J. Joens

Graduate Research Papers

The writer teaches vocational drafting at the postsecondary level and has been unable to find suitable instructional material on the subject of geometric tolerancing. The existing books are either too lengthy and technical or are incomplete. Furthermore, none of them shows geometric tolerancing in the metric system, even though many of the industries which use geometric tolerancing also use the metric system. The purpose of this research project was to provide an instructional package to fill the void.

Accessibility Of The Media Center In Open Space And Traditional Schools: A Case Study, Norma Whipple

Graduate Research Papers

The media center serves a vital role in the functioning of an effective educational program in a junior high school. In order for students to maximize use of the media center they should have easy access to the area.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the student in an open space school had easier access to the media center and its resources than a student in a traditional school with a media center enclosed by walls and doors. The four areas of concern were the location of the media center, school policies, teacher classroom policies and the …

The Use Of Decorative Plastic Parts In Wood Furniture Construction, Bradley Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

The recent but prominent use of imitation wood plastic components in wooden furniture construction intrigued this writer and encouraged him to investigate the subject. The purpose of this study is to investigate industry and literature to see what materials and procedures are used in making decorative plastic parts which resemble wood used in the construction of wooden furniture. It is the intent of the writer to create a mold and cast some parts, to determine whether or not the fabric8tion of plastic components would be a suitable activity to 5nstitute in a high school Industrial Arts program, and if so, …

The Personal Professional Collections Of French Teachers, Marsha E. Tate

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the study was to compile a list of books for French teachers for their personal professional collections recommended by good French teachers. The survey instrument, which included an initial list of seventeen recommended books, was sent to French teachers in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois whose students scored first through fifth in the 1975 National French Contest. The researcher assumed that this population, could include some good French teachers.

A Survey Of Cataloging Practices Pertaining To Audio And Visual Materials In Iowa High Schools, Wanda Farrell

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine who in the Iowa high schools is responsible for the cataloging of audio and visual materials and the methods, sources, and treatment of cataloging audio and visual materials. Hypothesis

1. In Iowa high schools, the School Librarian (Media Specialist) is responsible for the professional aspects of the cataloging of audio and visual materials 100% of the t\me even though an Educational Media Specialist is employed by the high school.

2. Color banding and/or colored cards are used in 50% of the high schools.

3. For classification of audio and visual materials 75% …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Books For Use In Young Adult Death Education Programs, Mary Frances Loretta Berger

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

A Slide-Tape Orientation To The Nevada High School Instructional Materials Center, Russell B. Carlson

Graduate Research Papers

This slide-tape presentation will show the incoming sophomore high school students the location of major areas and indexes of the Nevada High School Instructional Materials Center. Since there is an extensive library skills unit taught in both the upper elementary and junior high schools, the students are familiar with the use of the indexes in the I.M.C. The slide-tape series will be used in the sophomore communications classes as an introduction to the I.M.C. and will be followed by an assignment using materials located in the I.M.C. In addition to the slide-tape series, each student will be furnished with a …

Integrating Ecology Into The Industrial Arts Curriculum, Howard L. Craven

Graduate Research Papers

The problem was to determine how a junior high industrial arts instructor can teach about conservation and pollution without major changes in the present curriculum or without major cost.

The Utilization Of Paperbacks In High School Libraries, Betty Cornelius

Graduate Research Papers

The major purpose of this paper was to illustrate how and why librarians utilized paperback books in their media centers, discover the reasons why librarians failed to utilize paperback books, and encourage media personnel to make a more extensive use of paperback books.