Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Education Environment: The Prospect Of Integration With Respect To Cultural Diversity, Serina G. Gbakoyah

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rise in immigration is having an impact on schools and communities in developed countries. The socio-economic effect differs from State to State. It is evident that many states with growing immigrant populations seek to strike a balance to accommodate these new members of their communities. Educational communities experiencing the growing diversity as a result of immigration are often challenged with this phenomenon. To support immigrants to succeed in their host country, school administrators and teachers should be aware of the process of acculturation. The acculturation process is either by integration or assimilation. Assimilation is the process in which an …

The Intersection Of Social And Emotional Learning, Shy Students, And The Flipped Classroom, Magdalene Augusta Guzik

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The importance of social and emotional learning has become a mainstream tenet at the same time that technology advancements have reached the classroom. One such advancement, the flipped classroom, has turned the modern classroom upside down with significant results in academic and other achievements. This paper reviews the literature surrounding the flipped classroom and examines how the flipped classroom would be an appropriate vehicle for social and emotional learning, especially in the case of shy students. A review of the literature shows that social and emotional learning can be developed and enhanced by employing certain strategies. The literature also supports …

Critical Success Factors For Teaching A Second Language In An Online Setting, Anna Hendrickson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In our society, learning in an online setting is on the rise and learning a second language is becoming increasingly beneficial. The following text presents a review of the critical success factors for teaching a second language in an online setting. The results indicate that the effectiveness of an online language classroom environment can depend on a wide range of features such as appropriate technological tools, class resources, diverse instruction, strong classroom management skills, good communication, a friendly classroom environment, and experience teaching online. When applying this research in my own online classroom, it was found that with these implemented …

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’ …

Relationship-Based Infant Care As A Framework For Authentic Practice: How Eun Mi Rediscovered Her Teaching Soul, Susan L. Recchia, Seung Eun Mcdevitt

Education Specialties Faculty Publications

In this paper, we explore the complex nature of preparing diverse professionals for authentic, relationship-based care for infants and toddlers in child care. Looking through the eyes of one student caregiver, we travel with her through a semester-long course introducing her to infant care as an integral part of early childhood teacher preparation. We draw on her descriptions of her weekly experiences in an infant room focusing on a key child, her formal reflections in written assignments, and her responses to a series of interview questions once the course was completed to construct a theory of authentic practice through relationship-based …

Reds Among The Cream And Crimson, Kelly Kish

Historic Documents

What happened when three IU law professors were accused of harboring Communist sympathies in 1946.

Originally published in the publication 200 The Bicentennial Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2019.

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.

Peer Coaching In A School In Cairo, Egypt: Implementation, Barriers, And Pathways To Effective Adoption, Steve Sider

Education Faculty Publications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how peer coaching was introduced in one school in Egypt and to identify barriers and opportunities for successful implementation.

Design/methodology/approach – The methodology included semi-structured interviews with eight teachers, participant observation of their classes and meetings, and three focus group meetings with teachers and school administrators.

Findings – Ladyshewsky’s (2017) five key aspects of peer coaching are considered in the findings: establishing peer partners, building trust between the partners, identifying specific areas to target for learning, training on non-evaluative questions and feedback, and supporting each other as new ideas are …

Teacher Learning And Continuous Professional Development., Fiona Faulkner, John Kenny, Coral Campbell, Cosette Crisan

Books/Book Chapters

This chapter discusses teacher learning and professional development of out-of-field teachers from the point of view of the literature. It examines what makes this kind of learning and development effective and explores the ideas surrounding the varying rationale for the introduction of such teacher learning and professional development opportunities. Classical approaches to professional development are discussed in addition to several emerging international models of professional development that are currently being employed in the Republic of Ireland, England and Australia for in-service out-of-field teachers of mathematics predominantly but also a range of other subject disciplines (in the case of South Korea). …

“We're Rags To Riches”: Dual Consciousness Of The American Dream In Two Critical History Classrooms, Hillary Parkhouse, Bryan P. Arnold

Teaching and Learning Publications

Within the United States, wealth disparities are growing and upward social mobility is becoming increasingly difficult to attain. These trends call into question the American Dream ideology that anyone can succeed through hard work. This meritocratic ideal has traditionally been one of the unifying ideologies promoted through the public school curriculum. The topic of economic inequality, on the other hand, is largely absent from most social studies curricula. When teachers do address this issue, they tend to omit discussions of causes or potential policy solutions. Students are thus left with few resources with which to develop positions on policies related …

Uruguay Supporting Globalization And Access Through English Language Education Policy, Valeriana Colon

Teaching and Learning Publications

With a comparatively small population and a little over half the country’s population living in the capitol city (The World Factbook: Uruguay, 2019), connectivity internationally and access nationally are important to Uruguay. According to Uruguay’s Commission on Language Policy, English language legislation emerged from national demand to know English for global trade, technology, and academia (Administración Nacional de Educación Pública [ANEP], 2008). Public dialog often depicts the universalization of English as a highly valued commodity essential for student success (Canale, 2011). An example of this is the historic use of internationally recognized standardized exams as a means to gain international …

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 …

Elementary Teachers' Perceptions Of Teaching Mathematics, Mathematics Anxiety, And Teaching Mathematics Efficacy, Brittany Elaine Porter

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Predicated on the understanding that teachers who are more comfortable with mathematics will better teach it, this study aimed to explore the extent to which building participating teachers’ mathematics efficacy might also help teachers build metacognitive awareness with regards to effectively teaching mathematics, decreasing their mathematics anxiety and ameliorating negative perceptions about teaching elementary mathematics. To analyze teachers’ perceptions with regards to math, teaching mathematics, and their own content knowledge,qualitative research methods were utilized. The participants began the study with an open-ended survey gauging their attitudes, confidence, and anxiety about math. The participants were observed during their trainings and their …

A Study Of Administrator Training For School Security Events, Maria V. Eshenaur

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this research study was to determine if West Virginia (WV) PK-12 public school principals and assistant/vice principals perceive they are receiving suitable professional development to provide a secure school environment. This mixed methods study utilized non-experimental survey research to determine which professional development training school principals report participating in; to determine principals’ perceptions of the suitability of their own training; and to determine the influence of demographics on principal perceptions of training related to specific security events listed within the WV Schools Crisis Prevention and Response Plan. Data were collected by a researcher created, online survey consisting …

The Education Of The Elementary Mathematics Specialist: A Program Evaluation, Lee Ann Vecellio

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Over the past 30 years, there has been a growing need to strengthen educators’ mathematical skills through additional training. Nationwide, companies such as Exxon Mobile (1988) have created mathematics and science initiatives to improve teachers’ skills in the classroom. It is important that school systems explore ways to ensure students receive quality mathematics instruction from well trained, confident teachers who understand the content, can use instructional/assessment strategies, and to understand how students learn mathematics. The purpose of this study was to examine the confidence levels in mathematical content and pedagogy of graduates of the Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS) program. This …

A Phenomenological Investigation Of Mindfulness Practice Through The Lived Experiences Of Secondary Educators, Karen H. Styers

Education Dissertations and Projects

Teacher burnout and stress are at an all-time high. The teaching profession is reported to be one of the most stressful occupations, especially in 21st century learning environments. The researcher discovered mindfulness and was amazed how this practice allowed her to “breathe” through the difficult and challenging moments. Inspired by her own mindfulness practice, the researcher wanted to discover if mindfulness was as powerful a tool to other mindfulness teachers and educators. This phenomenological investigation explored the lived experiences of 11 secondary educators who self-identify as mindfulness practitioners. Through carefully constructed open-ended questions, the researcher was able to delve into …

From The Beginning: A Start To End Analysis Of A Beginning Teacher Program, Andrea M. Anderson

Education Dissertations and Projects

This mixed-methods study evaluated the effectiveness of a Beginning Teacher Support Program in the southern region of a school district. The effects of teacher turnover, national teacher shortages, induction programs, mentoring, administrative support, professional development, and other support offered to beginning teachers were analyzed. The researcher created a survey that was administered to high school beginning teachers, mentor teachers, and principals. A focus group and an interview with a regional beginning teacher coordinator were also conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s beginning teacher program. The results of the study concluded that beginning teachers benefitted from participating in …