Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Curriculum Design To Teach High School Students: How To Pull Evidence From Text, Karen Marie Hughes Bray

All Graduate Projects

Inadequate pe1formance of Washington State's public school students on national exams motivated the state legislature to pass the Basic Education Act in 1993. Graduation requirements were changed and expectations increased to specific skill levels in reading, writing, and several other subjects. The problem is that48% of North Central High School IO'" graders have averaged below standard in reading and 56% have averaged below standard in writing for the last six years. The project is designed to increase reading and writing skills at the high school level in classes outside of the academic arena by direct instruction. Washington State's Commission on …

Animals And Biographies: Integrated Units For Third/Fourth Looped Classes, Kimberly Lynn Bonsen

All Graduate Projects

This handbook was designed for teachers in a third-to-fourth grade looping classroom. The lessons integrate reading and writing, and the second year (fourth grade) builds upon skills and strategies introduced in the first year (third grade). The third grade set of lessons focuses study on animals while the fourth grade set of lessons focuses on biographies. The handbook contains a OLE/Lesson plan matrix, information for teachers before beginning both sets of lessons, twelve third grade lessons, thirteen fourth grade lessons, and extension activities for both animals and biographies. The final section in the handbook is an appendix that contains every …

Putting The Comprehension In Metacomprehension, Jennifer Wiley, Thomas D. Griffin, Keith Thiede

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of the present piece is to integrate some current theories of text comprehension with the body of work on metacomprehension, and especially the calibration of comprehension monitoring. This paper explores some important methodological and conceptual issues, inspired by current theories in the text comprehension literature, which suggest that the nature of the texts used for metacomprehension studies may be a critical, and currently unrecognized, factor that should be considered. First, we need to re-examine what we mean by “comprehension,” and how we should measure it. There are important differences between memory for text and comprehension of text that …

Understanding The Delayed-Keyword Effect On Metacomprehension Accuracy, Keith Thiede, John Dunlosky, Thomas D. Griffin, Jennifer Wiley

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

The typical finding from research on metacomprehension is that accuracy is quite low. However, recent studies have shown robust accuracy improvements when judgments follow certain generation tasks (summarizing or keyword listing), but only when these tasks are performed at a delay rather than immediately after reading (Thiede & Anderson, 2003; Thiede, Anderson & Therriault, 2003). The delayed and immediate conditions in these past studies confounded the delay between reading and generation tasks with other task lags, such as the lag between multiple generation tasks and the lag between generation tasks and judgments. The first two experiments disentangle these confounded manipulations …

A Proactive Strategy For Teaching Evolution, Lawrence C. Scharmann

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

Biology teachers are fortunate when topics to be addressed possess inherent qualities that interest students. Classical genetics rarely fails to interest secondary school students because it is introduced at a time when they are self-absorbed with their nascent physical characteristics, emerging sexuality, and/or future athlet- ic potential. A topic like genetics is always an easier sell than would be taxonomy, for instance. How should one treat topics that traditionally are tougher to teach? A simple but effective method for self-assessing readiness to teach a particular topic is to be prepared to respond to the questions, "Why do I have to …

Improving Teacher Quality Through An On-Line Professional Development Course: A Research Study, Ekaterina Koubek, Aleidine Kramer Moeller

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

This study investigated how in-service teachers of foreign languages constructed knowledge, and how this knowledge transformed their teaching, their beliefs, and their sense of themselves as professionals in an on-line professional development course based on a constructivist approach. This article provides an overview of research on distance education, constructivism, and teacher education with findings from a multiple case study of an on-line graduate course on Instructional Planning offered through GOLDEN (German On-line Distance Education Network; http://manila.unl.edu/amoeller/golden), a collaborative professional development project of the AATG (American Association of Teachers of German; http://aatg.org/member_services/lists/aatg-l.html ), the Goethe Institut of Washington DC ( …

The Impact Of Reading Instructional Processes On Literacy Aquisiation, Doreen O. Ryan

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Influence Of Globalisation On The National Education Policies Of Developing Countries, Sajid Ali

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Globalisation as the most powerful phenomenon of the present time is widely contested for its positive and negative outcomes. This article distinguishes between political, economic and cultural globalisation and argues that globalisation as a process is mostly led and appreciated by the developed countries to meet their desired objectives, whereby underdeveloped countries are hurled into this process. Less equipped and less informed, these underdeveloped countries often stand in q disadvantaged position. The article maintains that several supra national economic, cultural and political organisations are the manifestation of the process of globalisation, which has made the policy making, process a complex …

Effects Of A Professional Development Initiative On Technology Innovation In The Elementary School, Delia Raymos Pass

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This non-equivalent group study explored the impact of teacher participation in the development and use of a web-based instructional resource on computer utilization by students. The effects of participation in the technology initiative on teacher attitudes toward computers, technology proficiency, and stages of adoption of technology were also investigated. Teacher volunteers participated in a treatment group that received a professional development intervention and a comparison or web access group (WAG) that received no professional development. The treatment, or Professional Development Group (PDG), received instruction that modeled a constructivist hands-on approach to creating technology-rich lessons based on classroom curricula and Internet …

Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions Of The Indiana Professional Standards Board's Early Childhood Teacher Standards, Wonim Son

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is intended to investigate kindergarten teachers' perceptions of the importance of the 63 IPSB early childhood teacher performances in the classroom and in preparation programs for future early childhood teachers. The survey questionnaire was distributed to a randomly selected group of 200 kindergarten teachers. The response rate was 25%. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive analysis and the Pearson product-moment correlation. Four research questions were addressed in this research study. 1. Is there a relationship between years of experience of kindergarten teachers and their perceptions of the importance of the IPSB early childhood teacher performance indicators in …

Academic Effects Of Looping On Elementary Students, Debra Lynn Jones

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose With the No Child Left Behind legislation, schools are considering nontraditional ways of looking at teaching and learning to determine what is academically the most beneficial for all children. Looping is a two year placement of students with the same teacher. This classroom configuration offers an opportunity for teachers to build a community and develop a trusting long term relationship with students and parents. This study compared the academic achievement of third grade students in looping and non looping classrooms. Research Questions ( 1) Is there a difference in academic achievement as measured by IS TEP between looping and …

Predictors Of Kindergarten Teachers' Practice Of Developmentally Appropriate Mathematics: Attitudes Toward Mathematics, Attitudes Toward Teaching Mathematics, And Pedagogical Content Knowledge Of Mathematics, Joohi Lee

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study was intended to identify possible predictors for the practice of developmentally appropriate mathematics. This study tested three possible predictors: 1) kindergarten teachers' attitudes toward mathematics; 2) kindergarten teachers' attitudes toward teaching mathematics; and 3) kindergarten teachers' pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics, and its relationship to predict the practice of developmentally appropriate mathematics. Four research questions were addressed: 1. Do combined factors (kindergarten teachers' attitudes toward mathematics, their attitudes toward teaching mathematics, and their pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics) predict the practice of developmentally appropriate mathematics? 2. Do kindergarten teachers' attitudes toward mathematics predict their use of developmentally appropriate …

Volume 16, Number 01, G. William Hill Editor, Linda M. Noble Editor

Reaching Through Teaching

Full text of Volume 16, Number 01 of Reaching Through Teaching.

Teaching Our Teachers: Practical Suggestions To Improve The Quality Of Learning In Bemidji State University's Department Of Professional Education, Ann M. Gassert Carstens

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

The Effects Of The Use Of Dynamic Geometry Software On Student Achievement And Interest, Heidi B. Hansen

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This study examines the current research that exists on the effects that the use of dynamic geometry software has on student achievement and interest level in mathematics. Additional questions examined are whether using dynamic geometry software has a greater impact on high or low achievers, and what current methods of implementation are suggested by the research. A review of the relevant literature indicates that the use of dynamic geometry software does have a positive effect on student achievement, particularly achievement in areas of high-level thinking. Insufficient research has been done on the effect that the use of dynamic geometry software …

What Kinds Of Adolescent Leaders Are Hiding In Newbery Books?, Carol Jasperse Lautenbach

Dissertations

Though adolescent leadership is worth developing, often it is not addressed effectively in the general middle school curriculum. This study addresses adolescent leadership by describing and discussing eight major leadership categories and 38 subcategories found in seventeen representative Newbery Award-winning books. The sample was chosen using a multiple-step process and contained fictional stories with adolescent protagonists in realistic situations. Content analysis was used to quantify and analyze the leadership themes; a code book was used to organize data. Occurrence of each sub-category was ranked for prevalence within each book. These rankings form the basis for the analysis of findings which …

Course Revitalization As A Change Driver Throughout Undergraduate Business Curriculum, Elke M. Leeds, Radwan Ali

Faculty Articles

This paper describes the revitalization of Business Information Systems and Communication, a high enrollment, prerequisite course for all undergraduate business students in the Coles College of Business. An overview of the course components is presented and original structure described. The rationale for change, technologies leveraged and measures of success are presented. The change drivers are identified and their impact on undergraduate curriculum delineated. Lessons learned and future implications are discussed.

Rethinking The Undergraduate Curriculum: It Takes A Village, Christina Maslach, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

The Berkeley Campus Culture:

- Research and graduate program pre-eminence
- Strong faculty governance
- Highly entrepreneurial culture
- Autonomous academic departments, schools, and colleges
- Decentralized “silos”

Berkeley Library Culture:

- Library pre-eminence
- Collections-centered
- Value of subject specialization
- Library silo

Shifting Library Culture:

- Traditional Model
- New Model

A Study Of The Effects Of The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences On The Beliefs And Attitudes Of Pre-Service Teachers About Mathematics And The Teaching Of Mathematics, Marylin T. Leinenbach

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the effects of the Multiple Intelligence Theory on the beliefs and attitudes of pre-service teachers about mathematics and mathematics pedagogy. It identifies the influence of MI Theory on the beliefs and attitudes of pre-service teachers about teaching mathematics and how past performance in the study of mathematics influences beliefs and attitudes about teaching mathematics. The National Council of Teachers (NCTM) has called for changes in the preservice preparation of mathematics teachers. One of the main components of its Standards on Teaching ( 1991) is providing the pre-service teacher with opportunities to examine and revise their beliefs about …

The Effect Of Funnix Math On Pre-Kindergarten Student's Achievement In Mathematics, Michelle E. Andreoli

Theses & Honors Papers

It is imperative that mathematics education in the United States be effective and comprehensive in nature. Mathematical skills are a necessary component to functional and independent living. Much debate has aroused over which instructional methodologies to adopt, but the research clearly supports the use of explicit instruction. Direct Instruction is an expository approach to learning, which encompasses critical design principles that enable it to be sequential and thorough. Funnix Math is the newest program, which utilizes this methodology. The present study investigates the efficacy of Funnix Math on the pre-kindergarten population. The results of this study contradict previous research on …

The Libraries Role In The Reinvention Of Undergraduate Education, Patricia A. Iannuzzi

Library Faculty Presentations

Shifting Library Culture:

- Traditional Model
- New Model

Some In-house Strategies:

- focus on instruction as related to collections
- redefine role of liaison
- clarify expectations — link to performance review
- provide professional development
- build prestige (rewards) around instruction
- emphasize faculty voices

Raising The Bar: Encouraging High Level Thinking In Online Discussion Forums, Mary M. Christopher, Julie A. Thomas, Mary K. Tallent-Runnels

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

More universities are offering online instruction for students though we know little about effective online learning. Some have found online instruction increases student participation while others have reported that students prefer the traditional face-to-face format This study of gifted education graduate students follows the expectation that online students ought to have time to be more thoughtful with online course interactions as compared to the time-constrained interactions in a face-to-face course. Researchers evaluated students’ thinking levels (as per Bloom’s Taxonomy) in the online discussion forums required by a graduate course in gifted education. Results indicate there was no relationship between the …

Teacher And Student Perceptions Of Instructional Strategies Associated With Engagement And Achievement, Edwin D. Yoder

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was two-fold: first, to investigate instructional teaching strategies and determine which strategies were associated with student engagement and student achievement, and secondly, to investigate whether a relationship existed between student engagement and student achievement. Two survey instruments were created to collect data necessary for this purpose, the Student Survey of Teaching Strategies and a Teacher Survey of Teaching Strategies. Of 202 student surveys, 60% were returned in usable fashion. Of 102 teacher surveys, 68% were returned in usable fashion. Significant differences were found between teacher and student perceptions of individual strategies based on whether the …

Making Learning Visible: Peer Review And The Scholarship Of Teaching, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Presentations

This is the conference program from the March 2004 national conference, Making Learning Visible: Peer Review and the Scholarship of Teaching. This conference was hosted by the UNL Peer Review of Teaching project and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Making Learning Visible: Peer Review And The Scholarship Of Teaching, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Presentations

This is the promotional brochure from the March 2004 national conference, Making Learning Visible: Peer Review and the Scholarship of Teaching. This conference was hosted by the UNL Peer Review of Teaching project and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Students’ Assessment Of Biology Education At Marshall University, Chris A. Barker

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this thesis research was to evaluate the quality of scientific education offered in the College of Science’s Department of Biology at Marshall University. The objectives of this study were to emphasize the important aspects of higher education assessment, point out that a scientifically literate citizenry is imperative for society to function effectively, and to determine what factors contribute to differences among students with regard to their perception of the quality of scientific education they are receiving at Marshall. A survey questionnaire was administered to students in eleven biological science courses during the Fall semester of 2003 and …

Promoting Learning Through Inquiry, Virginia S. Lee

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

Inquiry-guided learning promotes learning through students’ active, and increasingly independent, investigation of complex questions, problems, and issues. This essay explores its theoretical rationale and the varied classroom practices of this exciting constellation of learning strategies.

Great Expectations And Challenges For Learning Objects, Anne H. Moore

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

Learning objects may be important building blocks in the future of instruction in higher education. This essay explores the importance of emerging standards and practices that invite widespread use of relatively stable “chunks” of information.

Engaging The Whole Student: Interactive Theatre In The Classroom, Suzanne Burgoyne

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

This essay explores how instructors can use techniques from Augusto Boal’s Theory of the Oppressed to guide student exploration of ideas-particularly those associated with power and social justice-through images and enactment.

Engaging Faculty In New Forms Of Teaching And Learning, Paul Hagner

Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: Archives

This essay explores the importance of the motivational state of the faculty member in the success or failure of systematic efforts to transform teaching and learning.