Faculty of Education Projects (Master's)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://opus.uleth.ca/handle/10133/755

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 531

Irwin's apple gang : a creative project on word processing in the generation of personal student newspapers
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1986, 1986) Warkentin, Irwin E; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Burnett, Dale; Butt, Richard
Word processing is considered by many computer advocates to be one of the potentially most significant contributions of computers to education at all levels. Most research has concentrated on the post-secondary and secondary application of computers in composition and very little has been done at the elementary level. As vice principal of the Vauxhall Elementary School, I have been involved for the past four years with the implementation of computers in elementary education. My major focus during the past two years has been the use of word processing in writing instruction and particularly in the generation of student newspapers. This project was intended to describe, analyze and interpret a particular classroom experience, to explore issues arising from the experience and from similar experiences of others, to synthesize conclusions and implications and suggest directions for the future.
Joanna : a woman in science : one life history in dialogue with the literature
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1987, 1987) Smith, Jennifer; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Butt, Richard; Mrazek, Rick
Few women choose careers in the physical sciences. Of the Bachelor's degrees awarded nationally in Mathematics and Physical Sciences only 29% were awarded to females (Statistics Canada, 1986). Using a biographical approach, this study sought to identify factors which may have facilitated the success of women in these areas. Joanna, a female university student majoring in chemistry, was interviewed. Tapes were transcribed and factors which possibly directed her success in the sciences were identifi·ed by both authors and validated by Joanna. A literature review on psycho-social influences as they affect the science achievement and interest of girls was integrated with the themes emerging from Joanna's life history. The dialogue between the literature and Joanna revealed a common profile which appears to characterize mo s t f e rna 1 esc i e n tis t s • Joanna, herself, overlapped with 26 of the 33 factors that were identified by the literature. The profile was split into seven categories: Personality, Sex Role Identity, Motivational Style, Family Influence, Childhood/Adolescence, Role Models, and Influence of Schooling. Factors which Joanna identified with strongly included: logical/analytical, high math and spatial ability, enjoys competition, not afraid to take risks, strong self-concept, confident, non-traditional sex role expectations, androgynous, unaffected by sex role stereotypes, family and career not seen as mutually exclusive, encouraging parents as positive parents, attitude towards science, oldest child, non-traditional role models, voracious reader, active childhood, able to act independently in adolescence, influential high school science teacher, and received encouragement and praise from teachers throughout schooling. Judging from both Joanna's profile and the literature review, the role of encouragement for women in the sciences cannot be underestimated. Implications for science education were made. A paradigm shift from emphasizing facts to encouraging open exploration was suggested in order to broaden this profile. The proposed Alberta curriculum with its focus on science as it relates to technology and society was considered a step in the right direction.
Computer managed learning : development of a data base for individualized instruction
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1987, 1987) Howard, Dale; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Burnett, Dale
This report outlines the research and development of a CMl system designed to be used in the remediation program for developmentally delayed adults attending the Medicine Hat College. The literature search covers a brief history of computers, discusses a definition of CMl and reports findings of CMl instituted elsewhere. Procedures include the actual design and construction of a data base and the subsequent comparison of the manual and electronic systems. The results indicate that the electronic system is more efficient than the manual system, but that there are still elements of the manual system that must be maintained. Although this particular electronic system does not have the relational or sorting power of some commercial systems, there still appears to be a desire to further modify the system and to integrate the system more closely into the program. Instructors were very impressed with the ease in which reports and IEPs could now be generated. The system also has potential to be incorporated with further developments of CAL and CBT.
The identification of the gifted in a culturally-different segment of a high school
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1987, 1987) Sheen, Alice F; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Skolrood, A. Harold
The purpose of this study was to examine the student population of a particular minority group of Native students in a southern Alberta high school, to determine if there were Native students who could be identified as gifted. Five classes of students containing one-third to onehalf Native students served as subjects. The classroom teacher of each class supplied the data for each subject by completing an instrument designed to test gifted characteristics. The study attempted to determine the potential for giftedness that existed among the Native students of this school. Exploratory methods were used to explore and diagnose the data. The use of these exploratory methods failed to provide any evidence of any significant difference in the potential for giftedness between the Native or the non-Native students. The conclusion of the study was that giftedness was a difficult area to research because of the abstract nature of the terminology and the characteristics. The interpretation of the data showed that there were Native students in this school who have definite tendencies of giftedness. There was very little difference in the percentage of gifted traits between the Native students and the non-Native students. If judged on an equal basis, Native students will demonstrate equal proportion of competence with non-Native students.
Teaching high school English with Alberta's diploma exams : an assessment through oral research and dramatic re-presentation
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1987, 1987) Hart, Loren Charles; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Miller, Gerry S.; Van Orman, Ronald; Walker, Laurie
The concern of this project is understanding what effects Alberta's Diploma examinations are having upon English 30 and English 33 teachers and their interactions within the school system. At first, a need is shown for educational literature which analyzes the relationships between mandatory testing and language arts instruction. The emergent methodology which the author used for conducting such research is recounted. He combined methods of biography. dream analysis, oral history, and ethnographic interviewing in order to develop a personal model for "insider" human science research. A surface analysis of the culture of two high school English 30 and English 33 teachers describes how Diploma tests, interactions with administrators and public concerns outside the classroom, interactions with students in the classroom, an integrated high school language arts curriculum, and a university liberal arts education help shape the behavior and thinking patterns of this culture. The emergent focus of the researcher and the data of ethnographic interviews with two high school language arts teachers are re-presented. retold, in the form of guerilla theatre. The researcher's initial concern for understanding the relationships between external testing and instruction expanded to include a complex network of interactions with students, colleagues, administrators, government test developers, university professors, businessmen, politicians, and the public. Each of these domains is symbolized by a section of an outer chalk circle drawn on the floor, with an inner chalk circle representing the interviewed teachers. The interrelationships between the teachers and the domains are mimed while a taped narrative dramatically relates interviewed teachers. the reflections of the researcher and the The purposes of the dramatic re-presentation are to promote understanding of how government administered tests have affected the culture of two high school English teachers and provoke audiences both inside and outside the studied culture to dialogue on the political and pedagogical themes which the drama depicts. An accompanying videotape of an August 5, 1987 performance demonstrates how the drama can serve as a catalyst for conversation and understanding. The project resolutions for ends with the author offering his personal continuing action. For him. this work suggests commitment for recognizing the complexity of the culture of English 30 and English 33 teachers. arguing against the myth that "every class must score above the mean," arguing for diagnostic testing services for high school English teachers, encouraging students to write essays and teachers and Alberta Education officials to evaluate student writing with the help of computer technology, and continuing the dialogue with teachers and various educational stakeholders.
Implementing whole language : a case study of a teacher
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1988, 1988) Boer, Faye; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Pollard, Michael
This is the story of a teacher. It is the story of how this seemingly ordinary teacher adopts the attitude of 'teacher as learner.' It emphasizes those aspects of his life which have been instrumental in the development of a personality which accepts and promotes the concept of whole language as a way of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the process of being a whole language teacher in the light of experiential learning theory and personal practical knowledge within the realm of a biographical study. It is about idealism and realism. It is about learning which emerges through experience rather than being imposed from without. It is about using what one knows and reflecting on it in order to bring about new understandings. Finally, it is about the celebrations, revelations and frustrations in the life of one person who has refined his way of knowing and understanding to a point where the ideal and the real are near to becoming one.
A story picture approach to developing the writing skills of Blackfoot Indian children
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1988, 1988) Campbell, Janet; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Butt, Richard
No abstract.
An investigation of the validity of a children's version of the Gregorc Style Delineator
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1988, 1988) Howard, Peggy; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Ellis, Julie
No abstract.
Establishing and using a student demographic data base : the Seven Persons School project
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1988, 1988) Barbour, Cameron R.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Burnett, Dale
This report outlines the establishment of a computerized data base in Seven Persons School using the Appleworks program. This data base is used primarily by the school office staff to store basic demographic data for each student. The review of literature examines the use of microcomputers in a variety of data management tasks, specifically those related to the storage and processing of demographic data in a small to medium-sized school. The project involves the training of school staff in the operation of Appleworks, and the compilation of various lists of demographic data into one computerized data base. Staff members are surveyed to determine the use being made of the data base and to determine if a data base containing academic records might also be warranted. The results indicate that the principal and teaching staff are very much in favour of a student demographic data base, but do not use the data base themselves. Rather, they rely on the school secretary to Ilse this tool to access student information in an increasingly efficient manner. The prospect of a larger data base which would include both demographic and academic information requires further study, and a major financial committment by the local school board.
Grade three social studies resource manual
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1988, 1988) Morgan, Deborah; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Henslowe, Shirley
The project chosen by the author was developed to address the concerns that Grade Three teachers expressed during a Social Studies Conference in the fall of 1987. These concerns reflected the need for new teaching units and resources that would be essential for the implementation of the 1989 Social Studies Curriculum.
Motivational orientation and creativity
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1986, 1989) Hawryluk, Paul; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Greene, Myrna
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of offering an extrinsic reward to Individuals who were Involved In creative writing. Two essential components of creative writing that were Investigated were the quality of creative writing, as assessed by two raters who were working In the domain of writing, and motivational orientation which was assessed mainly by a locus of control test. A class of creative writing students served as subjects. Complete data was obtained for 17 of them and partial data for three more. The motivational orientation of the class which served as subjects of the study was profl1ed according to the locus of control test (I/E Scale) and a Likert Scale that was created for this study. The results Indicated that the class profile was no different than a random group of subjects. The study explored the relationship between the creative quality of writing students produced and Intrinsic or extrinsic motivation. Inter-rater reltabl1lty on the samples of student writing could not be established between the ratings of the two evaluators, so this question could not be answered. Exploratory methods were used to explore the data for discernible patterns, but none were found. The study attempted to Investigate the differential effects of offering a reward for writing on the subjects according to motivational orientation. The use of exploratory methods failed to provide any evidence for any differential effects. The conclusion of the study was that creativity was a difficult area to research, particularly using a quantitative approach. It was suggested that the study of creativ1ty and motivation be focused on established authors whose creative quality had been already established by their publ1catlon record. Then, by qualitative techniques such as Interviews, the motivational styles of some of these established writers could be explored In the search for patterns that could provide Information on the relationship between motivation and creativity.
Professional growth and development : one teacher's story
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) McCue, Glenda Rae; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Butt, Richard
No abstract.
Experimental research exploring the linking of collaborative autobiographies and peer-supervision to improve classroom curriculum
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Sloan, Clark Russell; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Butt, Richard
No abstract.
English spelling instruction in grade four French immersion
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Wilson, Edward Donald; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Pollard, Michael
The purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of an English spelling program that designed for grade 4 French immersion students. program involved was intended to be enjoyable for students. Therefore it included many activities that students would have fun doing. This study compared a French immersion class using this program to one that did not. Three areas were examined, achievement, attitudes, and gender differences. The spelling program in question, the Fun With Words program, did prove to be an effective one with grade four French immersion students when compared with a more traditional textbook approach. Students were able to retain the words as well as the students using the traditional approach and displayed better attitudes when using the Fun With Words program. program seemed to find spelling more showed no significant difference in about spelling when program.
Lethbridge Community College Native student retention in the context of personal profiles and social landscapes
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Goodrider-McFarlane, Valerie; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Smith, David
Enrollment records from 1981 show that voluntary dropout from Lethbridge Community College among Native students has decreased; however, though more are staying in College many are suspended due to low grades. To determine the most appropriate measures to take to promote Native student retention and success in college courses six Native students were interviewed. These six students were an approximate representation of the general College Native student population in terms of age, Band, gender, marital status, and program area. An unstructured interview was conducted with each student with the intent of having the student speak openly about their school experiences as they grew up and give their personal opinions, suggestions, and recommendations for promoting Native student retention. Each interview was taped, transcribed, and shown to the student for changes or deletions. Findings from each student's educational history show the diversity in school experiences but also adversity in learning due to peer pressure and more often low expectations placed on the Native student by teachers in some non-Native southern Alberta schools. The suggestions and recommendations by the students indicate a willingness to participate in promoting Native student retention through such measures as peer support, group study, and active participation in the Native Student Association not only to provide support for Native students but also to promote good relations with non-Natives within the College and in the community.
An examination of teachers' and administrators' perceptions of, attitudes toward, and concerns about the instrument for the observation of teaching activities and its implementation
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Ireland, Debra; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Townsend, David
No abstract.
The use of literature and novels in upper elementary classrooms
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Carter-Semrau, Marlene; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Walker, Laurie
No abstract.
An examination of the perceptions of nurses regarding the role of the nurse
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Falkenberg, Margaret S; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Campbell, Cathy
No abstract.
The application of Print Shop and related software in the production of instructional transparencies : an instructional package
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) Wikjord, Wilmar E; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Ganske, Ludwig
The purpose of this study was twofold: 1. To investigate how Computer Manuals are designed. 2. To prepare an Instructional Package that would be helpful to teachers in preparing overhead transparencies. Computer Manual Design was researched to help determine the components that should be included in the Instructional Package and to help determine how this package should be evaluated. The major emphasis was a review of the literature on computer manuals and how manual design could be improved. The Instructional Package produced contains the Print Shop Users' Club Software, directions on how to produce transparencies, and specific directions on how to use the various Print Shop and Print Shop Companion Menus to print graphics and text for use in the transparency making process. The Instructional Package was evaluated by teachers in the field who used a questionnaire that was developed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the package. The results of the questionnaire were used to revise the Instructional Package into its final form. (See Appendix E: the Instructional Package which accompanies this paper).
Peer coaching : a means of assisting beginning teachers
(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1989, 1989) George, David Earl; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education; Townsend, David
This study was designed to provide important feedback to the Fort McMurray Catholic School System regarding the nature and effectiveness of a Pilot Teacher Peer Coaching Project which has been implemented to make the induction year a more positive experience for beginning teachers. It was hoped that the study will contribute to the growing body of literature on teacher mentorship as a means of providing support to novice teachers by focussing on the nature, features and prerequisites of effective peer coaching. The study focussed on the perceptions, thoughts and feelings of the nine trained peer coaches regarding the nature of effective peer coaching, the types of assistance given by these mentors to beginning teachers, and ways of making peer coaching projects more effective. The perceptions of a number of beginning teachers were sought in order to corroborate the data gathered from the peer coaches. The first year teache~s were questioned about their needs as inductees to the profession, the forms of assistance they received and the effectiveness of that assistance. The study was qualitative in nature and attempted to construct meaning from what the peer coaches expressed about their work with beginning teachers and what the novice teachers expressed about their year of induction. Data were collected through structured interviews using field notes, written surveys, and direct observation. In general terms, the study found that the peer coaching pilot project was very effective in making the induction year more positive and in providing guidance, counsel and resources to beginning teachers. Furthermore, the peer coaches indicated that there are a number of benefits for them as mentors in such an endeavor. The findings also provide information about the nature and prerequisites of effective peer coaching, and indicate some apparent deficiencies in practice which may need to be addressed to enhance the effectiveness of such work.