EDU 690 The Master’s Project ~ Spring 2019
Course Description
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: EDU 501 and minimum 24 hours of graduate-level coursework.
Production of a curriculum or research-based project in a topic of special interest to the student; project must be approved by the instructor prior to execution. The final product must follow APA guidelines in its written form. Oral presentation required.
Research and investigation are integrated into this course content, assignments and expectations. There is a significant amount of independent reading consisting of current professional literature journals and publications. The candidate’s research leads to the successful completion of a Master’s Curriculum Research Project that supports evidence-based practices and/or applicable for study.
Exploring Creativity Learning Skills in the Elementary Mathematics Classroom
Danni Chen
https://dannichen06.wordpress.com/
This Master’s Curriculum Research Project is about teaching the elementary students’ mathematics by using creative learning skills. In elementary mathematics classrooms, teachers can offer ways to apply creativity to mathematical problems that will enhance the students thinking and learning. Creativity is an expansive term with a wide range of implications. The application of creativity can greatly impact the students in problem-solving and learning strategies, creative elementary mathematic lecturers must be flexible in allowing their students in the use of space and time, so that the kids are allowed to work at their own pace, interest and commitment levels increase. According to the researchers they found strong evidence across a number of studies that providing a wide range of appropriate materials, tools, and other resources can stimulate creativity. which mention that the educators also needs to find the appropriate materials. This Master’s curriculum research project is aligned with the New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards and New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for Mathematics. The purpose of this project was to develop a foundation for teaching creativity in elementary mathematics classroom and help the second grader’s to solve the mathematical problem in creative ways.
Explicitly Teaching Reading Comprehension Strategies to Students with Learning Disabilities
Francesca Cutrona
https://francescacutrona.wordpress.com/
Reading skills, specifically reading comprehension, continues to be an area of need for many students. Reading comprehension is the ability to read and understand the meaning of a given text. For students identified with disabilities, specifically learning disabilities, it is exceptionally challenging to improve reading comprehension skills. The question I am posing through this research is: What is the impact of explicitly teaching reading comprehension strategies to students with learning disabilities? Through my research, second grade students will be introduced to numerous reading comprehension approaches, such as explicit instruction, Self-Regulated Strategy Development, Reciprocal Teaching Strategies. Anticipated results of this project include increased reading comprehension through the use of explicit instruction for students identified with learning disabilities. Teachers in special education classrooms would benefit from this research as it permits students to practice specific reading-based strategies within the classroom which leads to increased comprehension skills. In the future, my Graduate Research Project could be turned into an intervention system for students with learning disabilities who need to be taught specific reading comprehension strategies. Teachers would be able to use the research to develop explicit reading comprehension interventions that would be used in a classroom. Within the classroom, students with disabilities are at a disadvantage due to the lack of explicit and direct instruction provided to them. The use of explicit instruction is the most successful way to implement reading comprehension strategies.
Expanding Operational Thinking in Kindergarteners
Kyle Earl
https://kyleearlmastersproject.wordpress.com
Nobody can deny that mathematics in education is important and an essential life skill. My target for this project is to help both teachers and parents build their kindergartener’s understanding of mathematical operations. This is the understanding that addition is putting together and adding to, while subtraction is taking apart and taking from. This project will consist of an explicitly designed teaching sequence regarding operational thinking in kindergarteners. This Master's Project will dive deep inside New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics and help young kindergarten students understand the operational thinking concepts of addition and subtraction. All lessons will be aligned with New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics in kindergarten and will specifically contain and develop at least one of these standards in each lesson. This Master's Project can become a useful tool in a parent and teachers’ life. This Master's Project can become a guide in reinforcing lessons regarding operational thinking both at home or in school. I would recommend using this Master's Project in a sequential order to not confuse or demotivate any student. I would also recommend repeating activities that students struggle with in different ways to help solidify their understanding, while not creating rote memory of facts and operations. Mathematics is an essential life skill that cannot be ignored. This Master's Project is designed for both parents and teachers to help their kindergarteners achieve higher understanding in operational thinking and is directly linked to the New York State Standards for Mathematics.
Using Whole Language Strategies to Improve ELL Comprehension
Janene Ennis
https://janeneennis.wordpress.com/
This Master’s Curriculum Project is an attempt to address a growing problem in our education system: how can we best educate our English Language Learners (ELLs)? On average, it takes five to seven years to be considered fluent in a language. However, in our current system, ELLs are expected to be immersed in English and be successful. Many programs currently use phonics-based instruction to teach ELLs how to read. This, however, does not typically translate to aid in comprehension, which is required to be successful in higher education and the work force. Whole language instruction, however, may be applicable to both decoding and comprehension when students are first learning English. The research question addressed is: Does using the whole language approach create larger gains in comprehension for beginning ELLs than phonics-based instruction? When implemented, this curriculum would allow students to gain a more holistic understanding and use of English text. Teachers of ELLs will be able to veer away from the instinctual teaching of phonics to read, toward whole language to comprehend. Administrators can consider this curriculum as well when advising their teachers on best practice working with ELLs. The idea of using phonics-based instruction was very successful for teaching many children how to read. However, this does not always teach children what they are reading. Through whole language instruction, students learn new vocabulary in meaningful context, which allows them to comprehend what they are reading. My curriculum seeks to allow children more success in comprehending text.
Cross Integration Social Studies with ELA Instruction in Elementary Classrooms
Joshua Garrison
https://joshuagarrisonbuffalostate.wordpress.com/
There are two sides in regards to the argument of social studies instruction in today’s current elementary classrooms. Some researchers believe that social studies is being taught as frequently as it has been in the past, pre-Common Core and No Child Left Behind implementation, and some researchers believe that social studies has a largely diminished role in comparison to subjects such as math and English language arts. The reasoning behind the decreased time allotted to social studies instruction is imparted largely by pressure on instructors for high state test scores in content areas math and English language arts .With the new landscape of elementary education, alternative styles of instruction must be explored to adequately meet the proper social studies curriculum standards for a complete education. The central idea of this research focuses around social studies cross integration into English language arts. This is a way for teachers to maintain their focus on English language arts to prepare students for future assessment, whilst still incorporating social studies, as opposed to omitting it all together due to time constraints. This presentation will include a poster to demonstrate my findings of this research.
The Impacts of STREAM Activities on Student Participation
Pamela Gon
https://pamelagon.wordpress.com/
This Master’s Research Project explains implementing and teachings of the STREAM curriculum. students will become engaged in their learning and an increase in participation will be reached. With this project, information and resources are gathered and carried out for a third-grade curriculum where a nine-week science unit on Ecosystems and Habitats will be developed using the New York State Common Core Standards. Through the formation of a firm knowledge-based foundation on this topic the students will think like scientists and apply the knowledge learned to develop and complete a STREAM activity. With the use of a STREAM activity, researchers have shown a wide range of student involvement and participation in these such activities. They use and apply multiple content areas to find their niche in something that they are good at as well as create an opportunity to step out of the box; stretching their thinking and skills to a whole new level. Teachers and students will be able to find enjoyment in daily lessons because once background knowledge is developed and understood, the use of a STREAM activity to tie it all together will keep students interested in participating in more learning opportunities. The use of STREAM activities in future content areas and participation will promote teachers to use activities.
Graphic Organizers as a Tool for Vocabulary Retention
Joshua Guay
https://joshuaguay690.wordpress.com/
Students with learning disabilities frequently struggle to retain new vocabulary regardless of the target language. Bridging the gap between the needs of students with learning disabilities and the desired learning outcomes can be as simple as the organization of material. This project will study the effectiveness of graphic organizers as a way for students with learning disabilities to better retain vocabulary, more specifically vocabulary in Spanish. Students will first be assessed without any intervention to establish a baseline. Graphic organizers for vocabulary will be introduced as an intervention while students continue to be evaluated throughout the intervention. After the intervention period is complete, the intervention will be removed, and data will be collected again. Graphic organizers providing academic support and structure to instruction are helpful to any student with or without a learning disability. Discovering new information about the way that students learn will better help the way that teachers prepare for their learning needs.
Mindfulness + Math = Results
Melissa McGroarty
https://mmcgroarty.wordpress.com/
In crowded classrooms bombarded with digital distractions and a wide range of learners, the expectations placed upon teachers and students are increasing. To meet these challenges there is a need for sustained attention, self-control, and the ability to think critically. To accomplish this, students must maintain a presence during instruction, stay connected to the learning activities, and work with peers. These demands can be met by teaching children how to practice mindfulness. This Master's Project will focus on guiding first grade math students through mindful practices to answer the questions: Can practicing mindfulness lead to academic success? Can mindfulness assist students in learning positive ways to respond to opposition during partner and group work? Based upon current research, effective strategies for teaching students the practice of being mindful will be identified and selected. These practices will be woven into mathematical activities to teach the concepts of measurement and data. When this curriculum project is implemented, students will be more engaged in the learning process, able to concentrate on instruction, complete tasks by critically examining a situation, and communicating their learning. This curriculum can be tailored to fit the needs of every classroom. While this project specifically focuses on the use of mindfulness to support and enhance student learning in the area of mathematics, it is a practice that can be taught to all students and applied to all academic areas. The benefits of practicing mindfulness will be a noticeable increase in self-regulation, working memory, and students taking ownership of learning.
The Impact of Free Play on Academic Success for Preschoolers
Breanna Stone
https://stoneplay.wordp ress.com/
Throughout my research I found there are many definitions for the word "play." The argument being structured is play vs free play. Free play is a chance to socialize with other children and can include many benefits, including improved literacy, attention, self-regulation, and classroom behavior along with social and emotional skills. Free play is sometimes frowned upon because of the lack of structure. The researcher observed preschool children during free play to see what language and academic skills they are using. The researcher was looking at the impact of free play and the skills preschoolers learn during free play. Teachers and administrators will be able to use the results of this project to offer research-based instruction. For those educators who currently have administrators that want teacher-directed centers instead of free play in their curriculum, they will be able to use this research to show why free play is so important. The most important aspect of this research is to demonstrate how educators can help children to be the most successful in their academic and future careers by building foundational skills.
Impact of Parent Involvement on Literacy Development
Ashley Trainor
https://ashleytrainor690.wordpress.com
As education continues to grow and advance, many questions appear about the impact a child might have if their parents are involved in their literacy development as they are starting formal education. Research has shown a correlation between parent’s education, socio-economic status and positive relationships with their child’s teacher to have a positive effect on the learning of that child. The purpose of this project was to find if what parents are doing at home is helping their child’s literacy development and what parents can do to continue to help their child succeed in the classroom. All in all, there are many aspects of parents and that will in turn have an impact on the literacy development of their child. Both positives and negatives were found in this research on how parents can interact with their children to help with formal schooling practices. Parents should realize that what they are doing at home and outside of the home with their children will have an impact on their educational experience; and with that should take every measure seriously so their child can grow in their reading and literacy development.
Vocabulary Development for ELLs in Fifth-Grade
Marilyn Wang
https://marilynwang694003838.wordpress.com
There has been a significant increase in English Language Learners (ELLs) in classrooms over the years. ELLs are an inherently diverse group of students with respect to not only English proficiency, but also various combinations of native languages, prior educational experiences, and the typical host of individual differences common to all students in general. However, many teachers have not received adequate training for teaching this population of students who have little to no knowledge of English when they step into a school setting in the United States. Schools have been struggling to meet their unique language and literacy needs. Because vocabulary development is the basis of learning to read, write, and speak in every content area, it is essential that teachers in every grade level provide meaningful vocabulary instruction. The researcher has done a literature review and has found that vocabulary instruction is beneficial for both monolingual native English speakers as well as ELLs. However, the amount of support given to each student differs. Some ELLs may come into the classroom speaking fluently in social English but struggle with academic English. There are others who will need help with basic English. For my master’s project, I created a curriculum map along with lessons that will support all learners with a focus on ELLs.
Implementing Cursive Handwriting in a Third Grade Classroom
Valerie Wellenc
https://valeriewellenc.wordpress.com
This project focuses on developing a curriculum used by third grade teachers to teach their students cursive writing. It is our job as educators to find tools and materials to successfully implement cursive writing in the lives of young children. The curriculum developed will center on the use of the Zaner – Bloser cursive handwriting books, a colorful way to learn cursive handwriting. Taking an analytical approach to teaching the students the fundamentals of cursive writing. Students will be able to use the appropriate process to break down the letters of the English alphabet and learn how to write in cursive. The purpose of my Master’s project is to demonstrate the importance of cursive hand writing in all grade levels. While implementing cursive writing in third grade, students have the opportunity to grow and practice reading and writing in cursive for many years to come. The anticipated outcome of my research project is to demonstrate how teachers can implement cursive handwriting their classroom, even with minimal time. Teachers will be able to create opportunities for learning to occur and teach cursive handwriting to the future generation. Teachers can teach the cursive alphabet and writing sentences in cursive while also allowing students to become more interested in the topic of handwriting by using the projects that expand the learners mind on the cursive language. By implementing cursive handwriting in the third grade, students are presented with the opportunity to write in both manuscript and/or cursive for their future endeavors!
Play-based Strategies in Teaching Mathematics
Xuan Yang
https://xuanyang1002.wordpress.com
Play is crucial to children, especially to the younger students. The child moves forward essentially through play activity. Only in this sense play can be considered a leading activity, that determines child development. As a teacher, I like teaching, and I hope my students can enjoy learning. Play-based teaching can stimulate students' interest in learning, promote teamwork, and improve students' problem-solving and communication skills. My research question is, what are the effects of game-based teaching strategies on elementary students' mathematics learning? Participants are elementary school students. Future educators can use my project in their daily teaching to stimulate primary school students' interest in math learning and lay a good foundation for their future math learning. In addition, play-based teaching is not limited to math subjects. Through my research project, educators can learn the importance of play for students and pay attention to the application of play in their teaching, which will make their teaching more effective and attractive.
The Benefits of Problem-Based Learning
Katilyn Wojcik
https://katewojcikmp.wordpress.com/
This project explores the benefits of Problem-Based Learning in elementary classrooms. What are the benefits of PBL for elementary students? How can PBL be used in different subjects? What effects does PBL have on students' critical thinking? This project explores the benefits of PBL. The lessons will explore the positive effects of PBL with elementary students. Through the use of problem-based teaching, teachers can facilitate critical thinking among students. The lessons in this project also utilize collaborative learning. When students are exposed to real world problems, they learn to think critically and in a real-world way. When students can see real effects of their thinking and learning, they can be motivated in a new way. This project shows how teachers can still deliver required curriculum to students using PBL. Students can still acquire necessary knowledge when they are guided through real world problem solving. When students engage in PBL, they foster their critical thinking skills and learn how to apply their knowledge to real world situations. This project is developed with the goal of showing the benefits of using PBL in the elementary classroom. Along with my lessons and results, my literature review showcases the benefits of PBL with proven results by other educators. With the implementation of this style of teaching in multiple subjects, educators will be able to see how simple it can be to transform their teaching to promote critical thinking skills using PBL.
Impacts of Technology on Metacognition of Elementary Students
Jessica Zaidel
https://jessicazaidel.wordpress.com/
Technology creates a fast-paced, almost instantaneous experience, and crucial time spent self-reflecting is becoming less of a priority to students. Thinking and reflecting on one’s own thought process, otherwise known as metacognition, can lead to better learning: knowing what works best for you will help you to succeed. What are the impacts of technology on metacognition of elementary students? With this leading my research, I will seek out and apply technologies that are recommended for self-reflection/metacognition and use these in supplementation with a sequence of lessons, targeting grades 3-5, that require a knowledge of one’s abilities. At the summation of this study, I expect both positive and negative impacts on the participants’ metacognition, due to the individuals’ varied learning styles. I also anticipate the participants will respond well to the use and navigation of the technology as they are children of the technology age. Teachers who attempt to use technology to increase metacognition in their classroom should first familiarize themselves with the technology before integrating it into their classroom and allot time for teaching their students how to properly use the new technology to allow for students to reap the most benefits possible. As we progress further into a technological world, educators must embrace new technology and the ways that it impacts both society and the classroom.