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Articles 61 - 90 of 267
Full-Text Articles in Elementary Education and Teaching
Authentic Literature's Effect On Student Attitudes Towards Individuals With Disabilities, Sara Alves
Authentic Literature's Effect On Student Attitudes Towards Individuals With Disabilities, Sara Alves
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect authentic literature had on student attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. This study was conducted by implementing a disabilities unit through read alouds in a second grade classroom. Eighteen students participated in the research model. Data collected included surveys, audio taped interviews, audio taped discussions, student response cards, and personal teacher research journal. The data was analyzed recursively across all data sets to determine patterns and themes. Data was coded according to three main patterns; if the pattern was found to be prevalent across all data sets it was found to …
What Happens When Fourth Graders Use Learning Profiles To Direct Their Learning?, Caley Spahn
What Happens When Fourth Graders Use Learning Profiles To Direct Their Learning?, Caley Spahn
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to see what happened when elements of a learner- centered classroom were implemented in a 4th grade classroom in social studies. Qualitative sources of data collected included teacher research journal, focus group discussions, student interest surveys, student talk, and a self esteem scale. Data was analyzed, triangulated, and informed by Katherine Schultz's (2003) listening framework. The students determined how they were going to learn about government in social studies and then how they were going to show what they learned. They assumed control of their learning experience, guided by the teacher researcher. Findings suggested …
Using A Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach To Impact Learning And Community In A Second Grade Classroom, Melissa Stoffers
Using A Multi-Sensory Teaching Approach To Impact Learning And Community In A Second Grade Classroom, Melissa Stoffers
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine how multi-sensory education impacts learning and community in a second grade general education classroom. Lesson plans that targeted multiple senses - and oftentimes included team-building activities - were developed and implemented in the classroom. Qualitative data was collected through interviews, focus groups, student work, and a teacher research journal. After analyzing the data, it was revealed that multi-sensory education can lead to student motivation and engagement, as well as provide a generative space for the use of technology and making connections to the outside world. Multi-sensory education can also help teachers to …
The Keyword Method: A Study Of Vocabulary Acquisition In Fifth Grade, Danielle Aureli
The Keyword Method: A Study Of Vocabulary Acquisition In Fifth Grade, Danielle Aureli
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was based on the need for fifth grade students (n = 18) to expand vocabulary acquisition in short and long term memory. The Keyword Method is a useful mnemonic aid which can help broaden students' vocabulary by means of speech and language and ultimately with reading and writing. Understanding vocabulary words and how they relate to other ideas and concepts greatly impacts and influences reading comprehension. Extensive research has proven the Keyword Method to be an effective teaching tool. It increases concreteness and meaningfulness of newly obtained information, and the Keyword Method connects recently learned …
Wait Time In The Classroom, Logan Melder
Wait Time In The Classroom, Logan Melder
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing wait time, the time interval after a teacher poses a verbal question to students and when a teacher calls on a student, as it affects the amount of class participation. There were two phases of the study: phase one was teaching using unmodified wait time for five days, and phase two was modified wait time, extending it to a minimum of three second for an additional five day period. In this study I played both roles of teacher and researcher. The teaching sessions were observed and recorded during …
Magic, Monsters, And Merlin: An Exploration Of The Fantasy Genre In A Fifth Grade Setting, Traci Bowles
Magic, Monsters, And Merlin: An Exploration Of The Fantasy Genre In A Fifth Grade Setting, Traci Bowles
Theses and Dissertations
The purposes of this exploratory investigation were to determine how fantasy literature helps children explore, process, and discuss real world issues and topics and what other applications the genre had in the classroom. This study was conducted by implementing a genre study in a fifth grade classroom. Seventeen students participated in the research model. Data collected included audiotaped discussions, student projects and artifacts, and my personal teacher research journal. The data was analyzed recursively across all data sets to determine patterns and themes. Data was coded according to the four main patterns and counted across data sets. If the pattern …
How Do First Graders Define A Family?, Kelly Ann Mcgrail
How Do First Graders Define A Family?, Kelly Ann Mcgrail
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this study was to determine how first grade students define a family. Qualitative research was used as the methodology for this inquiry. The participants were thirteen first grade inclusion students in a school that is located in Southern New Jersey. An instructional unit depicting various family constellations was implemented along with authentic discussions, a student survey, an interactive bulletin board, a classroom library containing family books, and writing prompts contained in My Family Journal. The data collected and analyzed was from student discussion, the subjects' work, direct observation of pupils, the instructional unit, and a teacher research …
Student Motivation: The Impact Intrinsic Motivation And Extrinsic Rewards Have On Elementary Students, Renee Tybus
Student Motivation: The Impact Intrinsic Motivation And Extrinsic Rewards Have On Elementary Students, Renee Tybus
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine what happens when intrinsically motivating strategies and an extrinsic reward program are implemented in a fifth-grade inclusion classroom. The intrinsic strategies of enthusiasm, incorporating student choice into the lessons, and cooperative learning groups were used to help teach students during their literacy block. Additionally, an extrinsic reward program was put into effect once the three strategies had already been conducted. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as student motivation surveys, teacher observation checklists, focus group discussions, student written feedback, and observations recorded in my own teacher research journal, were all used to facilitate …
What Happens When Writing Notebooks Are Used In A First Grade Classroom?, Shelley Kole
What Happens When Writing Notebooks Are Used In A First Grade Classroom?, Shelley Kole
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to investigate what happened when writing notebooks are implemented in a first-grade regular education classroom. Writing notebooks were used along with the Writer's Workshop curriculum in which students learned how to revise, edit, and use professional literature as examples for writing techniques. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as student surveys, student written work, and observations were used to collect data. The data revealed that the students gained an ownership of their writing notebooks which enabled students to take risks in their writing and led to an increased motivation and interest among students to write. …
Early Intervention In Conflict Resolution For Lower Elementary Students In A Self-Contained Classroom, Colleen Roughgarden
Early Intervention In Conflict Resolution For Lower Elementary Students In A Self-Contained Classroom, Colleen Roughgarden
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate the effects of teaching conflict-resolution strategies to lower elementary students in a self-contained classroom. The students received conflict-resolution strategies and social skill development through an instructional unit involving children's literature along with student self-evaluations, appropriate outlets for tattletales, and the formation of a classroom club against bullying. This qualitative research study was conducted in a kindergarten and first grade self-contained classroom located in southern New Jersey. In order to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the students, all names have been altered. There were seven students in the class who …
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching, Mallory Heimlich
A Nonverbal Signal System: Minimizing The Effects Of Student Interruptions, Maximizing Instructional Time, And Sustaining Momentum While Teaching, Mallory Heimlich
Theses and Dissertations
With instructional time being interrupted by both in and out-of-class disturbances, research shows that approximately 30% of instructional day is wasted. Students are more likely to be unengaged and off-task when the teacher is interrupted than at other times and most classroom interruptions are initiated by the students themselves. The goal of this study was to decrease student interruptions and transition time by implementing a nonverbal signal system as a component of the classroom management plan. Student interruptions were tallied and student transitions were timed during social studies and science in a fourth grade classroom. Reflections of the study were …
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing, Kerri Colletto
An Exploratory Investigation On How Authentic Writing Affects Students' Attitudes Towards Writing, Kerri Colletto
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine how students' attitudes towards writing are affected when authentic writing activities are implemented into the traditional writing curriculum. The students kept Lifebooks for a period of three weeks and there was an emphasis placed on writing that was personal and meaningful. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as my teacher research journal, student surveys, individual interviews, discussion groups and student work were used to collect data. Sorting and categorizing data within and between data sources revealed that the freedom to choose a topic affects what is written, that having a personal connection affects …
How Do Intrinsic Motivational Strategies Impact Student's Engagement In Learning?, Kaitlyn Howarth
How Do Intrinsic Motivational Strategies Impact Student's Engagement In Learning?, Kaitlyn Howarth
Theses and Dissertations
Intrinsic motivation is one of the key factors in student's academic performance in the classroom. Thus, my research question becomes "how do intrinsic motivational strategies impact student's engagement in learning?" Researchers believe there are three common factors that are thought to promote intrinsic motivation: teacher enthusiasm, student choice and cooperative learning. These factors are three techniques believed to help foster intrinsic motivation in students and were implemented in the classroom. After five weeks of implementation, research found that students were making positive changes in the classroom by reading for pleasure, challenging themselves more, and participating more in class. More importantly, …
Improving Math Fact Acquisition Of Students With Learning Disabilities Using The "Touch Math" Method, Carol Dombrowski
Improving Math Fact Acquisition Of Students With Learning Disabilities Using The "Touch Math" Method, Carol Dombrowski
Theses and Dissertations
This study examined the effects of "Touch Math" compared with a number grid for computation. The study also considered the effects of these interventions on the self-efficacy of students with learning disabilities towards mathematics. Computation probes and math self-efficacy surveys were administered to the students prior to, and at the end of the intervention sessions. A quasi experimental alternating treatment design was utilized for interventions which lasted for ten days each. Probe and intervention practice sessions presented addition first then subtraction on separate worksheets. Seven elementary students with learning disabilities receiving specialized instruction through a pull-out program participated. Significant difference …
Computer Assisted Instruction Or Mnemonic Strategy Instruction: Which Approach Produces Better Outcomes With Helping Students Develop Multiplication Fact Fluency?, Laura Flynn
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact mnemonic strategy instruction and computer assisted instruction had on helping students gain multiplication fact fluency. Thirteen, third grade students were provided with either mnemonic strategy instruction or computer assisted practice for six weeks to see which instructional approach assisted the children with fluency gains with multiplication facts. The two groups were assessed weekly with timed fact probes to evaluate progress. Baseline scores and ending scores were analyzed with a percent of change formula to reveal either an increase or decrease in fluency. The results of the comparison between the two …
Motivating Kindergarteners To Write In A Half-Day Setting, Alison C. Barnes
Motivating Kindergarteners To Write In A Half-Day Setting, Alison C. Barnes
Theses and Dissertations
This research spawned from the observation of two half-day classes of kindergarten students at an elementary school in southern New Jersey. Being urged to write not only their first and last names but also letters, words, and even beginning sentences by the end of the year is a major requirement for New Jersey kindergartens in the year 2009. Noticing a lot of apprehension from the students when they were asked to write and use inventive spelling, methods were brainstormed of ways to encourage self-efficacy and motivation. It was decided to utilize an informal writing activity where the students would use …
Effect Of Hands-On Approach To Editing And Revising Process On Student Self-Evaluation Of Personal Skills, Lauren J. Usignol
Effect Of Hands-On Approach To Editing And Revising Process On Student Self-Evaluation Of Personal Skills, Lauren J. Usignol
Theses and Dissertations
The writing process is a series of four stages: prewriting, writing, editing and revising, and publishing. This action research project focuses on the editing and revising stage. The purpose of the study was to determine if the inclusion of a hands-on approach to editing and revising positively affects student self-evaluation of their skills. Students were introduced to the hands-on approach through the writer's workshop format. Through the use of surveys, interview, observations, and student work samples, I measured the confidence levels of students before and after the introduction of the hands-on approach. The analysis of the data revealed that the …
How Can Morning Meeting And Character Education Foster A Community Of Respect In A Second Grade Classroom?, Alyssa Conlon
How Can Morning Meeting And Character Education Foster A Community Of Respect In A Second Grade Classroom?, Alyssa Conlon
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine how Morning Meeting and the integration of character education values in a second grade classroom can lead to a respectful classroom community. As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, teachers need to learn ways in which they can create a positive learning environment where all students feel accepted and respected. Participants of this study include 13 second grade students; seven boys and six girls. Participants took part in daily Morning Meetings for approximately 20 minutes a day for a period of six and a half weeks. Data was analyzed and …
Values Education In The American School System, Angela Korch
Values Education In The American School System, Angela Korch
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to examine students and their values and the integration of teaching values in the school setting to determine whether or not it is beneficial to focus on teaching values within the classroom; and especially the value of respect. The instruments which were used to gather data in this study were a researcher journal, student artifacts, focus group meetings, and two charts. Students demonstrated a general understanding of what respect was and who they should be respectful to as well as how they should be respectful to them. In addition, the students completed a variety …
Using Multicultural Literature Across Curriculum To Foster An Understanding And Acceptance Of Diversity, Nina Stubblebine
Using Multicultural Literature Across Curriculum To Foster An Understanding And Acceptance Of Diversity, Nina Stubblebine
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this teacher research was to (a) use multicultural literature across curriculum to foster an understanding and acceptance of diversity and (b) examine more deeply how using multicultural literature in this manner might impact student learning, teacher-student relationships, student-student relationships and the overall environment of an elementary school classroom. In response to a cross-curricular multicultural literature unit, the four first grade self-contained participants of this study demonstrated progression from a recognition of physical differences to an acceptance of diversity. My methods for data collection were: keeping a teacher journal, conducting teacher interviews, informal student interviews, read-alouds, audio recordings …
The Impact Of Literature Circles On Reading Comprehenson In A Fourth Grade Class, Richard L. Kaufmann
The Impact Of Literature Circles On Reading Comprehenson In A Fourth Grade Class, Richard L. Kaufmann
Theses and Dissertations
In a fourth grade class where the majority of students were reading below grade level, literature circles were introduced and monitored for their ability to (a) raise student motivation to complete class work, (b) improve student interaction and behavior, and (c) raise Fountas and Pinnell reading comprehension levels. Students' class work in the literature circles was compared to similar work from whole group instruction. A rubric measured the attentiveness and behavior of the students in literature circle, whole group, and small group settings. The study was bookended by two Fountas and Pinnell benchmark reading assessments that were compared for signs …
Using Movement And Kinesthetic Learning To Teach Academics In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Elise Fulginiti
Using Movement And Kinesthetic Learning To Teach Academics In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Elise Fulginiti
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to determine what happens when movement and kinesthetic learning are implemented academically in a fourth-grade regular education classroom. Kinesthetics were used to help teach a social studies unit on Europeans in New Jersey and were later infused into the classroom curriculum. Qualitative inquiry strategies such as video-taped lessons, student written feedback, individual interviews, and observations written in my own teacher research journal were used to collect data. Sorting and categorizing data within and between data sources revealed that the kinesthetic learning lead to increased understanding of the topics being studied, heightened student engagement, …
Infusing Music In An Academic Curriculum, Katelyn E. Frevert
Infusing Music In An Academic Curriculum, Katelyn E. Frevert
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this teacher research was to examine the effects of music on student comprehension, cooperative learning and the surrounding learning community. This study was conducted within a third grade inclusion classroom. The students were exposed to educational songs in mathematics, writing and science. The students were also provided with the opportunity to create their own songs about matter and showcase them through their production of music videos. Data for this study was collected through video recordings, student interviews, teacher interviews, and teacher/researcher observations and journal. This study demonstrated that music has a positive effect on the learning environment …
How Does Playful Active Learning Motivate Students To Write And Affect Performance In Writing?, Allison N. Williams
How Does Playful Active Learning Motivate Students To Write And Affect Performance In Writing?, Allison N. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
This study examines students' writing and how educators can motivate students to write. The problem that this study attempts to examine is the effect that motivation has on student writing. This study used teaching methods that incorporate active learning and guided play into the curriculum. Over the course of a three- week period, a classroom of fourth graders was examined to determine if they could be motivated to write. Surveys, a focus group, in class lessons, and a writing journal were used within this study. At the conclusion of the study, it was determined that playful active learning can be …
Using Literature And Role-Playing To Teach Social Skills To Students In Self-Contained Classrooms, Lauren M. Massa
Using Literature And Role-Playing To Teach Social Skills To Students In Self-Contained Classrooms, Lauren M. Massa
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the role of educators in teach social skills to self-contained students. Bibliotherapy, which utilizes books to help people solve their problems and role-playing were the two methods used to teach social skills. For this study, five data collection instruments were utilized: audio taped class discussions, video recordings of role-playing sessions, a teacher research journal, an instructional unit, and student projects and artifacts. For the sake of privacy and confidentiality, the names of people and places were altered. The qualitative research study was conducted in a Kindergarten self-contained classroom, located in …
Effective Strategies For Creating Socially Developing And Accepting Inclusion Classrooms, Kristin Bishop
Effective Strategies For Creating Socially Developing And Accepting Inclusion Classrooms, Kristin Bishop
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to investigate and determine the most effective strategies for creating a socially developing and accepting inclusion classroom. The study was conducted as teacher research and uses both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The population used in the study was that of a first grade inclusion classroom. All students who were given parental consent participated. A classroom observation rubric, student surveys, and student interviews were completed pre-implementation. Strategies for creating a socially developing and accepting inclusion classroom were implemented; reading pertinent literature, discussions, and lunch conversations. During this time student artifacts were collected. After the …
Elementary School Students And Homework: A Study Of Best Practices, Michelle F. Brown
Elementary School Students And Homework: A Study Of Best Practices, Michelle F. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to analyze fourth grade teachers' policies and opinions about homework in a southern New Jersey school and compare these findings with previously completed studies done by other researchers throughout the country. Through the methods of various surveys and discussions, five fourth-grade teachers, nineteen students, and sixteen parents were involved in this study. The researcher, who was student teaching in one of the fourth grade classrooms in this school where the majority of investigation took place, also kept a journal of observations relating to homework. The researcher found that although most students were spending an …
What Happens When Students Learn A Step-By-Step Approach To Solving Math Word Problems?, Lindsay Brooks
What Happens When Students Learn A Step-By-Step Approach To Solving Math Word Problems?, Lindsay Brooks
Theses and Dissertations
No abstract available.
Differentiated Interdisciplinary Science Instruction In A Fourth Grade Inclusion Classroom, Laura Oliver
Differentiated Interdisciplinary Science Instruction In A Fourth Grade Inclusion Classroom, Laura Oliver
Theses and Dissertations
This action research project explored what would happen if interdisciplinary, differentiated instruction was used during a science unit on recycling in a fourth grade inclusion classroom of 20 students. The project also focused in particular on the progress of two throughout the project's implementation. Four differentiated techniques were used throughout the unit. These included a tiered writing assignment, student choice based on interests, centers, and a RAFT, which was a summative assessment that allowed for student creativity based on their own interests and readiness. Using field notes, journal entries, student grades, and student surveys the data revealed a notable difference …
What Are Students' And Teachers' Perspectives Of Differentiated Instruction In A Fourth Grade Inclusive Classroom?, Kellilyn E. Casey
What Are Students' And Teachers' Perspectives Of Differentiated Instruction In A Fourth Grade Inclusive Classroom?, Kellilyn E. Casey
Theses and Dissertations
This qualitative teacher research study investigated the question: what are students' and teachers' perspectives of differentiated instruction in a fourth grade inclusive classroom? Data was collected in the forms of open-ended student interviews, open-ended teacher interviews, and through frequent entries in a teacher research journal. The study concluded that student opinions varied on an individual basis, but that most students liked it when their teachers used differentiated practices and would like it if they used even more. It also found that teachers held a high opinion of differentiated instruction and used it frequently as a means to meet the requirements …