EDU 690 Fall 2018 Names, Titles, Abstracts and Links
Xiaochun Feng
Title: Using Many Kinds of Strategies to Deal With Calculation Problems
Abstract: This master’s curriculum research project was designed to use many kinds of strategies to deal with addition and subtraction problems. The Project is aligned with Common Core State Standards to promote first grade students’ addition and subtraction ability with the help of six mathematic strategies which are doubles strategy, doubles plus or minus one strategy, direct subtraction strategy, subtraction by addition strategies, N10 strategy and 1010 strategy.
Link: http://xiaochunfeng.wordpress.com
Amelia Gillman
Title: Learning Through Play: Why Dramatic Play is Beneficial to Student Growth in Elementary School.
Abstract: This Master’s Curriculum Research Project is about dramatic play and its benefits amongst elementary students. Dramatic play is a great stepping-stone to self-regulating children’s emotions and actions. Elementary students greatly benefit from dramatic play that is both teacher and student led. Play is a natural instinct for children, so including this in the classroom will greatly improve student learning. Not only is dramatic play fun for students, but it has so many benefits for their social, emotional and physical development as well.
Link: https://ameliagillman.home.blog/
Aaron Johnson
Title: Exploring Different Cultures in the Younger Grades
Abstract: This Master’s Research Curriculum Project was started in an attempt to explore the ways educators can teach young children about different cultures so it may fit with the Next Generation Learning Standards. This research project looks at how a multidisciplinary approach to teaching young children about different cultures will be beneficial to their education. This research project looks to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum to teach our students about different cultures by using a multidisciplinary approach. This research project will act as a template for educators to develop culturally respectful students in the context of everyday academic instruction.
Link: https://aaronjohnson2018.wordpress.com
Xiaochen Ma
Title: Using Picture Books to Inspire Mathematical Thinking
Abstract: My Master’s Research Curriculum Project discusses how to integrate picture books into mathematical activities to improve children’s mathematical thinking. Mathematical thinking is more than a mathematical concept. It can help children learn how to explore and develop an understanding of the world around them better. Picture books can show them what is the world like. It is demonstrated that picture books are valuable and worthwhile for improving mathematical thinking in my master’s project. By this approach, children will enjoy mathematical learning better and think more mathematically.
Link: https://xiaochenma.wordpress.com
Emily Rutowski
Title: Growing Beyond the Classroom Walls
Abstract: With the advances in society, is it also possible for education to advance and move beyond the four walls of the classroom in order to increase student comprehension? The ways in which students learn and process information has changed over time, and as a result, the traditional textbook teaching style has become something of the past. In order to increase student engagement, teachers need to find ways to make learning more meaningful and connect with students on a different level and technology has made that possible. Teachers are not only able to deliver content anywhere, but to bring learning outside of the brick and mortar structures we are used to and increase learning through hands on, engaging lessons that make students become scientists who research, explore, and study to find the answers to the questions they have. I created my Master’s Project in order to open doors to numerous educational possibilities and to expand on ways teachers and students deliver and receive information. Education is not confined to four walls, and by changing our mind set, teaching and learning will continue to grow as well.
Link: https://growingbeyond45686912.wordpress.com/
Marc Smaldino
Title: Interactive Notebooks in Science Instruction: Making science more multi-subject and fun using interaction!
Abstract: With this project; information and resources can be obtained for a fourth-grade teacher to carry out a full unit on living systems abiding by New York State Common Core Standards as well as following Erie II BOCES pacing guides. Each lesson involves hands on activities where children gain knowledge from the notebook but also obtain information by doing activities and tracking their experiences in the notebook. The notebook itself can be used as a way to assess students abilities in not only science, but also in subject areas such as language arts and mathematics. Technology is also present within the lessons and the notebooks also coincide with technological tools used throughout the unit.
Link: https://marcsmaldino.wordpress.com/
Monica Vigliotti
Title Pre-teaching Vocabulary to Enhance Reading Comprehension
Abstract: This Master’s Research Project explains how pre-teaching vocabulary to build background knowledge can help with reading comprehension in the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This project includes 7 weeks of English Language Arts curriculum that will focus on vocabulary instruction relating to Wonder. Students at a fourth-grade reading level will learn vocabulary strategies that enhance their reading comprehension skills. The lessons in this project will be centered around engaging vocabulary activities and reading lessons that include new words for students to study.
Link: https://monicavigliotti.wordpress.com/
Jinli Wang
Title: Using Music to Promote English Language Learning in Early Grades
Abstract: Music is recognized as a universal feature of human cognition; every healthy human is born with the ability to appreciate it. As a teacher who speaks English as a second language, I wonder how do we use music to teach young English language learners, and promote them to learn happily and efficiently. There was a comprehensive literature review about the studies of the importance of music in language acquisition. Through this project, we would find there are many benefits of using music to teach English language. The author also provided some recommendations and lesson plans of using music in teaching English, hoping that will be helpful for English as second language teachers.
Link https://jinlisproject.wordpress.com
Kristy Weiss
Title: The Positive Impact of Social-emotional Learning on Elementary Education
Abstract: With the July 2018 mandate, New York state is now required to teach mental health education in K-12 schools across the state. Mental health education includes the development of pro social behaviors and self-regulation strategies though social-emotional education.Social-Emotional education programs come in many forms all with various levels of intensity, but all serve as positive foundations for future academic and personal success. Students who have access to emotional learning are more likely to develop positive relationships, achieve higher educational success, and are less likely to be involved in crime than those who have not been exposed.