Abstract For many years the nation's public school system has used standardized test scores to measure the success rate of its teachers, pupils and programs. In more recent history, there has been concern that the standardized testing scores are not an accurate or fair measure of such elements. This paper presents a detailed examination of assessing public schools through standardized testing. The writer discusses the use of the tests and the research that has been done to determine its value as an evaluation tool. The writer opposes the use of standardized testing as an accurate measurement of school success.
From the Paper "The standardized testing in the American public school system originally served a purpose. It was used to assess the needs of the curriculum development and adjustment as well as a general measurement of student progress as compared to others their age in America. As the test was used each year it began to be used for the purpose of accountability for teachers. This placed an enormous amount of pressure on teachers to have students who could do well on the standardized test. The teachers were assessed and held accountable based on the scores of their students and this began the phenomena commonly referred to as "teaching to the test". Standardized testing as a measure of accountability is not accurate or fair minded. Teachers need to be accountable for the education of their students but standardized testing is not the answer."
Tags: No, Child, Left, Behind, practice, test, sheets
Abstract This paper first briefly explores some causes of illiteracy. It then goes on to explore the concept of early childhood development and several programs dedicated to ECD and illiteracy. The paper explores the link between teaching children at an early age and illiteracy rates. The paper includes an outline and bibliography.
From the Paper "Before, it was believed that a parent of a child was just responsible for the child's emotional development, and a child's intellectual development was the responsibility of the educational system. Now, it is seen quite differently. "Participants in family literacy programs usually include children, single parents, or another close family member"the term "parent" refers to anyone fulfilling the responsibilities usually associated with the parent of a child? (par. 2). As children are not normally within the educational system from birth to three years of age, the act of shifting the responsibility of intellectual development to that system is a failure. Only parents and/or caregivers have contact with children so young, making them (parents or caregivers) the first teachers of children."
Abstract This paper examines how most traditional classroom studies promote a verbal teaching methodology that is contradictory toward most student's natural inclination to be visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners. It looks at how an appropriate teaching methodology should take into consideration a student's strengths and weaknesses of differing learning styles and should strive to balance these characteristics. It discusses how much attention has been focused on the theory of multiple intelligences and learning styles and explores the research of different theorists on the topic.
From the Paper "Linda Silverman and Richard Felder in one of many research studies related to multiple learning styles, focus on the learning behaviors of engineering students. In their paper entitled "Learning and Teaching Styles in Engineering Education" the theorists state that "mismatches exist between common learning styles of engineering students and traditional teaching styles of engineering professors" (Silverman & Felder, 1998). Silverman & Felder also define education as a two-step process that involves "the reception and processing of information" (Silverman & Felder, 670). For some learners, the reception and processing of information involves memorization, for others deductive reasoning, and still others reflection or action. Each of these responses is contingent on a particular individual's learning style."
Tags: multiple, intelligences, teaching, methodology, students
A research proposal designed to determine whether there is a lack of resources available for teachers to 'include' special needs children into regular classrooms.
Abstract For the past four decades the world of special education has changed dramatically. Special education students are now educated in the least restrictive environment which many times means they are mainstreamed into regular education classrooms. The paper shows that ADHD students, learning disabled students and physically disabled students are all entitled to inclusion settings for their education but their individual needs vary greatly. In addition, the teachers have to be able to not only meet the needs of each individual special education student, but do so while not having a negative impact on the educational process of their regular education students. The paper shows that, nationwide there have been complaints by regular education teachers that they are mandated by law to provide inclusion education but they are not being provided resources to help them complete their duties. This research study was designed to determine if there is in fact a lack of resources for regular education teachers and, if so, where they are needed.
The paper includes charts.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Participants
Instrument
Data Collection Methods
Possible Limitations of Study
Future Use of Study Results
Example of Survey Questionnaire
Conclusion
From the Paper "The mandate to educate students with special needs in classrooms with non disabled peers was actually strengthened in 1997 through IDEA regulations and the past six years have been an increasingly hotbed of debate in the field of education about how best to perform the task with optimum success. While there are many suggestions tossed about the field of education about how to implement this inclusion method teachers are left with the task of figuring out how to get it done. They have to wrestle with the varying special education needs that the diversity of this law provides them with. Children with ADHD have a hard time focusing and staying on task, while children who have learning disabilities process the information being give differently than other students do."
Abstract This paper presents a critical review on the learning theories of educational psychologists, Ivan Pavlov and B.F.Skinner. Educational psychologists create achievement tests, develop learning aids and curricula, study cognitive development, and investigate psychological issues in the classroom, including adjustment problems and teacher-pupil interaction.
Abstract A paper on the topic of co-teaching which describes what co-teaching is. The paper shows how co-teaching is a great help to all students--both regular education students and special education student. It also aids the teaching professionals involved well.
Abstract This educational research paper discusses the use of assistive computer technology for the disabled in education, defining the term as well as discussing the various assistive computer technology devices available to students and the federal laws on disability and special education.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of parent involvement in the school life of their children and focuses on the role of the teachers in this connection. For active participation of families, teachers are required to adopt certain skills and techniques with the objective of opening up communication channel and fostering positive teacher-parent relationship.
Abstract This paper explains the difference between Skinner's behaviorist theory of learning and the theories of Hebb, Tolman and the Gestalt school. It emphasizes the difference in the theories' view of reinforcement as a learning tool and explains why Skinner has been called a 'radical behaviorist'.
Abstract This paper explains the importance of play in the child's development. It references Piaget's constructivist theories as well as more modern or applied theories of play in the classroom and in the family. It addresses gender concerns as well as the importance of the play mentality in adult life.
Abstract This paper will argue that among the approaches of pedagogy, andragogy and synergogy, andragogy represents the best approach to teaching adults. The approach basically involves a self-directed method, by which adults take charge of their own learning. It is the best approach because it allows adult learners' motivation and responsibility to lead them to a process of self-direction in their own learning.
Abstract This six-page undergraduate paper discusses the high school dropout in terms of contributing factors. These factors reveal just how complex the problem of dropouts is. The thesis is underlined.
Abstract Using the developmental theories of Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, and Skinner, this paper explains how to use them with high school math, English, algebra, and science.
Abstract This paper discusses the disastrous effects of college student drinking, as presented by a student who experienced some of the horrors. It addresses issues such as violence, drunk driving, dropping grades, and other social problems.
From the Paper "The tradition of college drinking has developed into a kind of culture, involved in every level of a college students? environment. Customs handed down through generations of college drinkers reinforces students? expectation that alcohol is a necessary ingredient for social success. These beliefs and expectations exert a powerful influence over students? behavior toward alcohol. Heavy drinking is interwoven throughout the culture of the institutions. As a result, students perceive this drinking pattern as the social norm rather than as an unhealthy and destructive behavior. Customs that promote college drinking are seen in many activities throughout a students? environment, whether they drink or not."
