Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

The Effect Of Manipulative Materials On Student Motivation, Deirdre Morrissey

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to determine the effect of manipulative materials on student motivation in the subject area of social studies. The students who participated in the project were divided into control and experimental groups. Each group was comprised of twenty-one third grade students living in rural southern New Jersey. Both groups completed pre and post surveys that focused on student motivation towards social studies. The experimental group students were instructed using manipulative materials after the completion of the initial survey and in conjunction with a unit on "Community Government." The control group students received no such intervention. …

Cooperative Learning And Its Effects On Social Interactions In The Third Grade, Robin A. Keller-Vicino

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this action research project was to determine whether social interactions would improve when utilizing cooperative learning techniques. The social interactions observed included listening and speaking, courtesy, peaceful conflict resolution, leadership, and cooperative behaviors such as keeping one's hands to themselves.

The targeted population for this study was a class of fifteen third grade students. The researcher submitted pre- and post-treatment surveys to the students which measured the students' sense of classroom responsibility and their sense of personal responsibility within the class. The researcher also utilized journals and cooperative behavior checklists in order to compare student surveys with …

The Effect Of Cooperative Learning On The Mathematical Achievement Of Fifth Grade Students, Stefanie A. Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of cooperative learning on mathematical academic achievement in fifth grade students. The design of this research also studied the extent cooperative learning has on reducing mathematics anxiety and generating mathematical interest. The sample involved one group of students (n = 21), which were drawn from a class of ten and eleven year old students. This study utilized a pretest - posttest, one group design. The subjects were exposed to two treatments, traditional instructional methods and cooperative learning instructional methods. A mean difference comparison found a significant difference in the …

The Effects Of Word Study: A Developmental And Discovery Based Approach To Spelling, Jessica Wright

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this academic investigation was to find the effect of Word Study on the spelling abilities of third grade students; and to determine if the change in spelling abilities is greater in those third graders who receive the treatment of guided on-level instruction and interactive word activities than those third grade students who participated in a traditional spelling program. Orthographic knowledge of the treatment and control groups were measured through a series of pretests and then posttested after treatment was received. The treatment involved a variety of interactive activities that were discovery based. The positive change in the …

A Study To Determine How Many Person Hours Are Expended By Learning Consultants And School Psychologists To Complete An Evaluation From Initial Referral To Final Placement, Maria Mercedes Styron

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted in order to determine the number of hours that are necessary to complete an initial evaluation by a Learning Consultant and a School Psychologist. Surveys were distributed to a random sample of Learning Consultants and School Psychologists in South Jersey. The survey consisted of eighteen areas which are a part of an initial evaluation. Participants were asked to report the amount of time spent on each area in minutes. Fifty questionnaires were mailed out and 33 were returned. Of the completed questionnaires 15 were from School Psychologists and 18 were from Learning Consultants . Twenty six …

The Comparison Of Two Rhythm Syllable Systems On The Meter Recognition Abilities Of Second And Third Grade Students, Richard D. Beckman Ii

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of rhythm syllable systems in developing students' aural discrimination abilities. The problem was to examine the effect of rhythm syllable systems on students' abilities to aurally identify the meter of rhythm patterns. A secondary problem was to examine the interaction effects of music aptitude and rhythm syllable systems.

The sample for this study included 107 students in second and third grade general music classes. Classes remained intact and were randomly assigned to the control group, the time-based syllable group, and the function-based syllable group.

Subjects were administered the Intermediate Measures …

An Experimental Study Of Tonal Pattern Training And Learning Modalities On The Pitch Accuracy Of First Grade Students, Melissa C. Strong

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the body scale in the tonal pattern training of first grade students. The problem of this study was to determine the comparative effects of tonal pattern instruction with and without the use of the body scale on the singing accuracy of first-grade students among auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners.

Sixty-seven first grade students in four intact classes were used as the sample in this study. Two of the classes were randomly assigned to serve as the control group and two classes were assigned to serve as the experimental group. …

Increasing Social Relationships Among Kindergartners Using Peer Reporting, Christine A. Gruenler

Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on increasing the social relationships of kindergarten students using peer reporting. This method encouraged children to use social skills on the playground. In addition, the students were encouraged to report the observed use of social skills to be recognized by their classmates. The subjects of the study included an experimental group of 20 kindergarten students and a control group of 21 kindergarten students, both located in an elementary school in a rural area of southern New Jersey. Social relationships were measured by the number of tattle tales on the playground, whereas tattletaling indicated that there were diminished …

Effect Of Whole Language Instruction In Reading Comprehension Scores Of First Grade Students, Jeffrey A. Shone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine whether any significant difference in the reading comprehension scores of first grade students utilizing a whole language method of instruction as opposed to phonics-based method of instruction existed. An experimental and control group of first grade students, with 20 children in each group, were administered the Silver Burdett Ginn Reading Comprehension test. Both groups were pre-tested to ascertain their level of reading comprehension before a treatment was administered. Next, the experimental group received the whole language method of reading instruction. Through repeated readings, students were exposed to reading and phonics at the …

The Effects Of Grouping In Social Studies On The Enjoyment, Motivation, And Successful Learning When Reading Informative Texts, Pamela D. Pitt

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to determine whether grouping when reading informative texts during social studies lessons gave students enjoyment and motivation, which, in turn, would provide more success in learning for the students. It explored a method that is not whole class instruction, but is sometimes used in the classroom. The researcher of this study did not attempt to determine which method is better to use during social studies instruction, but rather how students perceive reading informative texts in social studies after being exposed to peer-assisted group instruction. The forty-eight participants of the study were taken from two …

The Effects Of Character Education On Fourth Grade Students' Attitudes Toward In-School Behavior, Jenna S. Snyder

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to show that students would benefit from learning about character education in a classroom setting. This study used scores from a pre-test and post-test which was designed with character development scenarios taken by fourth grade students in a rural elementary school after they participated in a character education unit.

Eighteen (n = 18) participated in this quasi-experimental study. The results were analyzed to find the significance of the relationship between the students' scores on the pre-test and post-test. The Sign test indicated there was no significant change between the scores on the pre-test and …

The Effects Of Cooperative Learning On Mathematics Achievement For Third Grade Students, Angelina M. Carione

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cooperative learning on mathematics achievement. It was hypothesized that students who worked cooperatively during mathematics practice would achieve a higher test score on the post-test than students who did not work together. The subjects of the study were forty third grade students form a southern New Jersey school district. The study consisted of an experimental and a control group. Both groups were administered a pre-test. The experimental group then participated in cooperative learning during mathematics practice for a seven-week period. Both groups were post-tested after seven weeks.

Calculations proved …

The Effect Of Color As A Visual Aid In Mathematics Instruction, Jennifer L. Valinote

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if fifth grade students who were exposed to colorful symbols and numbers during mathematics instruction would have significantly higher achievement than those students who were taught without the use of colorful symbols and numbers. The sample used in this investigation consisted of two heterogeneous fifth grade mathematics classes. Students in both groups were given pretests on the multiplication and division of fractions. After the pre-test the subjects that comprised the experimental group received a three week treatment. The subjects that comprised the control group were taught the same lessons, yet not exposed …

The Effect Of Interactive Bulletin Boards On Mathematics Achievement In Fourth Grade, Kathleen M. Charlton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect the use of interactive bulletin boards, when used as manipulative learning tools which reinforce basic arithmetic through repetition on a daily basis, have on the final marking period grades of fourth grade students. It was hypothesized that fourth grade students who experience the daily use of interactive bulletin boards that contain manipulative parts to reinforce basic arithmetic skills as a part of their mathematics instruction will exhibit significantly higher marking period grades in mathematics than students who do not experience such bulletin boards on a daily basis.

The design of …

Instituting Issue-Based Civics In The 11th Grade Classroom, Nicholas J. Diblasi, Carissa Larkin

Theses and Dissertations

There were several goals of this study. The first goal of this study was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's attitude for and appreciation in civics. The second goal was to identify if issue-based civics would produce any difference in a student's comprehension levels in civics. The last of these goals was to identify if the school a student attended had any impact on their attitude toward and appreciation of civics and comprehension levels in civics. The study was conducted on a sample of 70 11th grade students enrolled in American History II college …

Redefining High School American Literature In A Diverse Nation, Nancy M. Vasquez

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate why high school students in America study American literature that includes a majority of writers of white western European descent and excludes writers of multicultural backgrounds. This study also analyzed if exposure to works by multicultural writers changes students' perceptions of what constitutes American literature. The participants included 3 classes of American literature students (N=44) and American literature teachers (N=6) in a predominantly white high school. The study included a combination of textbook content analysis, teacher interviews, and an intervention consisting of a Latino literature unit taught to student participants. Key …

The Effect Of Teacher Intervention, Role Modeling, And A Gender-Balanced Bulletin Board Design On 10th Grade Male Students' Writing Apprehension, Laurie Bartolomeo

Theses and Dissertations

The first goal of this study was to identify any preexisting differences in the levels of writing apprehension between males and females in a sample of 85 10th grade high school students enrolled in English classes available during a spring 2002 student teaching placement. An adapted form of John A. Daly and Michael D. Miller's (1975) Likert-scaled Writing Apprehension Measure was used to assess the participants' levels of apprehension. Results of the first survey revealed that male participants did display a higher level of writing apprehension but the difference did not reach a level of statistical significance (p < .05). The second phase of the study involved a 4-month treatment period that included teacher intervention, role modeling, and a gender-balanced bulletin board design in an attempt to make a positive change in the male students' levels of writing apprehension. The same survey was administered to 36 males and 36 females following treatment to determine if any change occurred. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed there was no statistically significant effect of treatment on either the male or female participants (p < .05); however, a decrease in the levels of writing apprehension was seen in the means of the scores across all groups.

New Jersey Elementary School Proficiency Assessment (E.S.P.A) Mathematics Analysis: Open-Ended Questions, Scoring Rubrics, Developmental Activities And Manipulatives With Scope Of Skills For Grades K-4, Joyce Marian Scholz

Theses and Dissertations

This document provides a resource which may be used by elementary teachers to gain understanding of the State Standards, the construction and purpose of E.S.P.A., the scoring of open-ended questions and the scope of development of fourth grade skills through the elementary grades. There are three sections of this document, which include the following: the "Macro Development and Open-ended Listing For Grade 4", the Mathematics Skill Development For E.S.P.A.: Grades K - 4" and the "Mathematics Manipulatives Listing." Each section provides important information pertaining to appropriate teaching to prepare students for E.S.P.A.

This document may be used by teachers in …

Study Of The Use Of Telecommunications In The Classroom, Ed Ewing

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of integration of technology in the classroom. Specifically, the study was to look at computer software and related Internet and telecommunication usage.

The study took place in Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties in New Jersey. Teachers in four public school districts from each county were invited to participate. A letter was sent to the chief administrator of each selected school district, explaining the purpose and significance of the study. A packet was also sent to each teacher in the participating schools. The packet included an introductory letter and a …

Electronic Teacher Portfolio, Linda H. Drucker, Marguerite A. Paolone

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research project is to determine the value of using an electronic teacher portfolio to document instructional methods and strategies. Research suggested the possible use of electronic portfolios by teachers to compile genuine representations of their personal style, creativity, and methodology.

As models of electronic teacher portfolios were limited, we created a template using HyperStudio 4.0 and an accompanying guidebook, so teachers could easily create a personalized electronic teacher portfolio.

To evaluate the guidebook's ease of use, we disseminated the materials to one technologically experienced teacher and one with basic computer knowledge. While creating their own electronic …

The Effect Of Collaborative Teaching On The Academic Achievement, Incidence Of Discipline Referrals, And Attitudes Toward School Of Fourth, Fifth, And Sixth Grade Regular And Special Education Students, Kathleen N. Papa

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if collaborative teaching had a positive effect on the academic achievement, incidence of discipline referrals, and attitudes toward school of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade regular and special education elementary school students.

The report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals (demerits, detentions, and suspensions) from the first two marking periods of the 2000-2001 school year (prior to collaborative teaching) were averaged and compared to the report card grades and incidence of discipline referrals of the first two marking periods of the 2001-2002 school year of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students …

Webquest Depository, Ella Lee

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project was to create a web site that teachers could use to assist them to integrate technology into their classroom and to create a constructivist learning environment that would be conducive to teaching and learning higher order thinking skills.

The federal government requires technology integration in academic institutions. As, a result, every classroom is to be equipped with five computers. Teachers must update their pedagogical proficiencies to include technology. In addition, teachers must adapt their curriculum to accommodate the use of technology. Research has shown that a constructivist teaching style is an excellent means for students …

Directed Teaching And Constructivist Teaching And Technology, Brandy Patch

Theses and Dissertations

The utilization of the computer in the classroom as a tool to provide instruction and aid learning has had a profound impact on how educators deliver instruction. Computers have become such an important instructional tool that many educators have had to rethink and reevaluate their beliefs and ideas about the ways in which they instruct students and how students learn.

Most educators have encouraged and promoted the use of computers in the classroom to assist them in providing students with an efficient and up-to-date means of acquiring the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in learning. Because of its …

The Effect Of Male Timbre Vocal Modeling In Falsetto And Non-Falsetto On The Singing And Pitch Accuracy Of Second Grade Students, Douglas Adam Tranz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of male falsetto and non-falsetto vocal stimuli on the pitch-matching accuracy of second grade students. The investigator also investigated the following: (1) would there be a difference in pitch-matching accuracy to the two vocal stimuli based upon gender; and (2) would there be a difference in the pitch-matching accuracy of students receiving vocal modeling presented in non-falsetto.

The sample for this study included 90 students in four second-grade general music classes.

During the 12 week treatment period, students in the control and experimental groups received the same music instruction; however, …

Midi Sequencing In The Elementary Classroom, Jann M. Bradshaw

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to provide students and educators with an easy to follow manual that will help them learn and successfully participate in MIDI sequencing in an elementary educational and personal setting.

Research for the study involved the review of the New Jersey Core Standards and national standards for music and music technology in education. Music technology websites for educators were also reviewed. A case study group of seven fifth grade students was formed for the project. This group was known as the Music Technology Club. The purpose of the group was to learn MIDI sequencing through …

The Association Between Learning Processes And Formal Music Electives Among Sixth Grade Music Students, Anthony C. Varga

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of learning process frequencies among sixth grade music students who elect to participate in musical ensembles. Is there an association between the student's choice of elective music ensemble and their learning process?

Forty-five sixth grade music students participated in the study with their parents' permission. Subjects were administered the Learning Combination Inventory during their scheduled music class. They were asked to first respond to 28 Likert-type statements rating their answers as best fitting their own individual learning. The second part of the instrument required the subjects to respond to three …

When Human Life Begins, Susan K.P. Das

Theses and Dissertations

The moment attributed to the beginning of human life is debated not only in religious and political communities, but within the scientific community as well. Particular attention is given to this issue as advances in science make it possible to manipulate the embryo and fetus at early stages of development. This study explores these issues as they are revealed in the literature. In particular, examination of the stages of human development associated with this issue and the correlation between these stages and their influence on ethical concerns in current scientific technologies such as abortion, cloning, and embryonic stem cell experimentation.

The Effects Of Instructional Games On Student Achievement In The Social Studies, Christine A. Pilotti

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of instructional games on student achievement. It has been suggested by educators that instructional games may increase the performance and motivation of students. According to a pretest-posttest control group design, a sample of 34 students was administered a pretest and then instructed on the history of New Jersey for the same amount of hours. The control group used two worksheets as a supplement to the lessons, whereas the treatment group used two instructional games as a supplement to the lessons.

After analysis of all scores, a t-test for nonindependent samples …

Effects Of A Student Book Club On Third Graders' Literacy Attitudes And Performance, Kirsten M. Bellamy

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify a method of improving the reading attitudes of elementary students. A book club program was chosen as the treatment because it incorporates sociocultural perspectives in learning and opportunities to put previously learned skills to use. An experimental and control group of third grade students, with 28 children in each group, were administered the Elementary Reading Attitude Survey (ERAS), an instrument that tests attitudes toward recreational and academic reading. After determining beginning attitudes, the experimental group participated in a book club, which utilized small group reading sessions followed by whole class discussions of …

The Effect Of Grading The Work Of Fourth Grade Students In Red Ink And Their Academic Self-Esteem, Jennifer L. Walton

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect on fourth grade students' academic self-esteem when marking their work in red ink versus blue or black ink. It was hypothesized that there would not be a significant difference in the academic self-esteem of fourth grade students whose work was marked in red ink, compared to their work that was marked in blue or black ink.

The study was a quasi-experimental design, examining students in a fourth grade classroom. Nineteen students participated in the study. Prior to the pretest, student work had been marked in blue or black ink for …