Abstract This paper is about the effectiveness of the Accelerated Reader program (AR). The three fundamental components of AR are discussed. The paper presents the findings of research studies and criticisms by educators and parents regarding the effectiveness of AR.
From the Paper "Developed by Renaissance Learning the Accelerated Reader AR program has become widely used in schools as a literacy tool for encouraging students to read more and increasing their reading comprehension. AR consists of three fundamental components ..."
Abstract One of the main reasons for students dropping out of school is that they have failed to learn to read in primary school. One of the strategies schools have used to correct this problem consists of the methods and procedures of accelerated reading strategies which emphasize research and evaluation, instruction for children, staff development and home-school interaction. The specific problem in this report is of second graders reading below their grade levels. A review of the literature is used to investigate how the various characteristics and components associated with accelerated strategies (Research Base Accelerated Reading instruction, staff development and the home-school connection) operate to increase students' reading levels. Three questions are posed, one related to each of the three listed components and the existing literature is used to answer them.
From the Paper "McCormick (1999) has stated that training provides teachers with the knowledge needed to help them focus on continuous progress in language skills and shows them how to emphasize problem-solving and teamwork in their instruction. Moreover, proper implementation of staff development with respect to accelerated strategies is said by McCormick to help teachers acquire those characteristics and traits that maximize instruction. Regarding these traits, McCormick states that teachers need to be tough, compassionate, and professional. Furthermore, it is stated that they must have knowledge of how to relate to the particular cultures represented in their students which also requires substantial training."
Tags: McCormick, Department, of, Education, elementary, school
Abstract The paper discusses the effective school paradigm that is learner-centered and the accelerated school paradigm that continually improves the existing methods of teaching and learning in order to motivate and encourage children to excel. The paper points out, however, that children are very adaptive and their creativity should be stimulated rather than destroyed by a set of rigid rules according to which the school is directed.
Outline:
Effective Schools
Accelerated Schools
From the Paper "Effective schools focus on the student in his or her capacity as part of a larger community of students. The school is based upon the assumption that all children, regardless of any distinguishing differences, are allowed to participate in learning the curriculum. It is also assumed that each student, regardless of individual differences, is capable of learning the existing curriculum, and will do so."
"This is achieved by a system of team work by all parties involved in the life of the child. The school faculty, administrator, parents and community are involved in a planning and implementation process that is aimed at helping the child to perform. Such team work allows long-range planning for the improvement of the education system via reform or restructuring. The effective school system is also aimed at providing every student with access to the best quality of education."
Abstract The author of this paper states that, over the past few years, there has been a gradual decline in the reading ability of American children. The writer proposes a research project to examine the benefits that may be gained from an accelerated reading program rather than by conventional teaching methods. After examining the existing situation and outlining the parameters of the proposed research, the writer proceeds to review current literature on the subject. Following the literature review, the writer describes in detail the process of the proposed research.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Statement of Problem
Setting and Subjects
Methodology
Test Classroom
Traditional Reading Classroom
Comparison
Expected Findings
Limitations
Discussion
Suggestion for Further Research
References
From the Paper "Many argue that the venue of fast paced and extrinsic rewards of video learning and technology pass times has created in this generation, and likely the one that will follow it, a different set of expectations for learning. These expectations do not necessarily favor quietly sitting in a room and reading a book, or even quietly sitting in a room full of peers and being read to. Intrinsic desire to read according to some has gone down significantly over the years as kids have become more exceedingly exposed to the modern brand of instant entertainment available in their own living rooms. Educators and enterprising education program suppliers have in turn attempted to add a whole subset of options for the school consumer that reportedly bridge the gap between the modern information society in which we live and the traditional model of learning core skills, such as reading. One of these so called alternative options, is the much touted Accelerated Reader Program, which will be further explained later in this work."
This paper, including a plan, the speech, and slide content, is a presentation to show the CEO and his team why supporting the presenter's idea for an accelerated distance learning program.
Abstract This discusses an accelerated distance learning program, a unique idea, which combines two established ideas, accelerated learning skills and distance learning. The author points out that this combination provides a strategy for students to earn their degree in less time, for less money, without having to attend classes on campus. This paper concludes that distance learning is becoming more and more popular because its methodology is drastically improving.
Table of Contents
Presentation Plans
Outline of Presentation
Introduction
Explanation of Accelerated Learning Skills
Distance Learning: A Widely Accepted Program
The Facts about Accelerated Distance Learning Degrees
Cost Effectiveness
Evaluating Instruction
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are varieties of procedures that can be used to inform the activities of those involved in providing and supporting instruction. In distance education, the separation between teachers and students usually involves instruction or learning experiences being mediated through written or recorded materials. These 'published' materials often remain in the same form for several (or many) cohorts of learners, although some modifications and amendments can be made. In turn, this separation entails the absence of direct verbal and non-verbal feedback from students that is crucial in all teaching. The evaluation of any distance education teaching materials or course of instruction may serve to provide information that can be used during the process of developing or preparing materials or learning experiences, known as formative evaluation procedures (Slide 6), or information about how well the 'finished' instruction has worked in normal use, known as summative evaluation procedures (Slide 7)."
Abstract The paper describes the experiment that attempted to determine whether the motion of an object moving down an inclined plane was uniform motion, uniform acceleration, or nonuniform acceleration. The paper outlines the materials and procedure used and records the data in tables. The paper discusses the results and concludes that the motion experienced by an object traveling down an inclined plane would be uniform acceleration. Tables and formulas are included with the paper.
From the Paper "The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the motion of an object moving down an inclined plane was uniform motion, uniform acceleration, or nonuniform acceleration.
"The type of motion that will be experienced by an object moving down an incline plane will be uniform acceleration. This is thought because the inclined plane has a constant angle, meaning that the object moving down it will have the same velocity increase every second."
Abstract This paper discusses the study of formal classroom learning and its impact on students' learning. It looks at both formal and informal classroom learning and the debate regarding the most effective method. The paper particularly focuses on the adult learner population. The paper discusses formal classroom learning for both accelerated learning and suggestopedic learning.
Table of Contents:
Chapter One - Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale for the Study
Overview of the Study
Chapter Two - Review of Related Literature
Accelerated, Suggestopedic, and Cooperative Learning
Statistics, College, and Remedial Education
Student Opinions
Teacher Interest and Implementation
Adult Learners
The History of Learning
Pre-Entry Attributes
Social Integration
Academic Integration
Characteristics of Successful/Unsuccessful Learners
Student Expectations of Courses
Academic Expectations of Adult Learners
Academic Integration - How Professor Involvement Impacts Student Involvement
Attrition Rates
Education is Changing
Motivation
Chapter Three - Methodology
Research Design and Approach
Population and Sample
Collection and Tabulation of Data
Data Analysis Procedure
Limitations of the Study
Chapter Four - Data Analysis
Introduction
Description of Findings
Chapter Five - Summary, Recommendations, and Conclusions
Conclusions
Future Implications
Recommendations
Summary
From the Paper "However, it is still important to be careful about traditional classroom learning and accelerated or suggestopedic learning because these can be damaging as well if they are used in the wrong way. Traditional classroom learning should be specific to the learner, should not be something that turns into a competition with other individuals in the classroom, and should be specific to the task at hand. An instructor who simply says that a learner has done a good job does not really indicate what the learner has done a good job at or that he or she has noticed anything specific that the learner is actually accomplished. If accelerated or suggestopedic learning are to be used, instructors must be careful as to how these are utilized with other adult learners, since favoritism can create animosity, ridicule, and other problems."
A report of an experiment investigating the relationship between the acceleration a of a dynamic cart of constant mass M, pulled up a 300 inclined plane, and an independent variable found with the force of a falling weight hanger of mass m.
1,625 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 2 sources, 1998, $ 52.95
From the Paper " From Newton's Second Law of Motion, F = ma, it was determined that
a = [(2m ? M) / (m + M)](g / 2).
The lab is an original comprehensive work with a full theoretical background of derived equations, and tables and graphs displaying all pertinent experimental data. Several illustrations are also used to convey the details of the experimental method."
A detailed outline of a scientific experiment designed to show that the kinematics of constant acceleration are valid when applied to a rolling sphere.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, 2000, $ 43.95
Abstract This experiment investigates the relationship of the horizontal displacement of a metal sphere, descending from an inclined plane falling through a vertical distance. With the speed of a metal sphere V0x, and the height of the ramp y, we can find the horizontal distance squared X?.
Abstract This essay provides a brief background on Isaac Newton, the man and the scientist. The main focus of the paper is Newton's three laws of motion. 1)Law of Inertia; 2)Law of Acceleration; and 3)Law of Interaction. The paper explains what each law is, how it applies to the behavior of motion and what its significance is to the world of physics. Through these three laws, Newton was able to prove the nature of objects in the universe, and how they interact with each other.
From the Paper "The First Law of Motion is stated as follows: "An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force" (Physics Classroom 2003). The first law is also called the Law of Inertia, and explains the concept of inertia, which is an object at rest. The first law explains that, in properly defining inertia, "the tendency of an object to persist in its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line is called inertia" (Navaza 1996 110). Theoretically, the first law of motion is just a restatement of Galileo Galilei's analysis about the nature and behavior of motion."
This essay discusses the theory of time travel, using references ranging from the science-fiction to the reality of particle acceleration and modern research.
Abstract This paper explains that going back in time to visit historical times in real life may sound like the work of an H.G. Wells novel, but physicists are getting surprisingly closer to actually being able to travel in time, as demonstrated by the theory of relativity, light speed, paradox theories, and the work of modern scientists as they search for the secrets to the 4th dimension. The author points out that Dr. Stephen Hawking's theory and the recent discovery of black holes show the potential for an area where the laws of relativity may not exist. The paper relates that Dr. Ronald Mallett at the University of Connecticut has developed an idea that present-day people can communicate with the past by sending electrical particles through a spiral series of laser beams to accelerate them to the speed of light.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is Time Travel?
The Fourth Dimension?
Time and Space
Theories Past and Present
What Is Matter?
Applicable Relativity Theory
We Cannot Get There from Here
Modern Research of Time Travel
Newton
Einstein
Stephen Hawking
Paradox Theories
Time Travel Mutual Fund
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Theory of Relativity states that fundamentally our ideas of space and time. We must accept that time if not completely separate from and independent of space, but is combined with it to form an object called space-time. Newton developed laws of motion that until Einstein were not contested. Einstein expanded this law in his special theory of relativity, which states that mass increases as speed approaches the speed of light. We must remember that the more mass we have the larger that mass will become as light speed is reached. The speed of light and time space is closely related. It has been said that light speed is the key to time travel. At this time the theory of relativity limits our ability to move mass at the speed of light, but as I will explain, there are current theories that will allow moving electrical energy in the form of data back in time."
This paper reviews and analyzes the journey of self discovery as depicted in Douglas Coupland's "Microserfs" and "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture"
Abstract This paper explores the underlying themes in two of Douglas Coupland's novels, "Microserfs" and "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture." The most predominant theme in both works of writing is the fear of death. Coupland uses this fear, as well as others, to aid in the characters' journey of self-discovery. There is a very clear and present need for the characters to find themselves in both of Coupland's observant and self-conscious novels. Coupland identifies immediately, before one can go so far as to open either book, that what is about to be read is a story of a generation different than any other. This paper discusses the plot of both novels while supplying an analysis of the main characters. The characters' witty, philosophical looks on life, death and morality demonstrate their fear of death. This very morbid fear underlies all of the characters in both works of writing.
From the Paper "Another trait that is identified within the novels, is the need to not have material things. This trait is well established in many of today's pop culture. Coupland observes of our society that those in search of a pure existence cast away material objects and try to live with as little as possible. In Generation X, Coupland's character Andy gave something different to his family for a Christmas present. Instead of purchasing some material, and inevitably never used gift, he made a moment to remember. The day before Christmas, Andy went out and bought hundreds of candles. Christmas morning, before everyone stumbled out of bed and made for the living room to open presents, Andy lit all of his many hundred candles. The room was glowing."
Abstract This paper details the history, as well as the curriculum, of the McFadden Elementary School, near Nashville, TN. This particular school also provides a magnet program which is geared towards academic excellence, in addition to its standard curriculum program. The writer of this paper discusses the school's accelerated academic programs in the areas of reading, art, guidance, music and physical education. This paper also focuses on the academic benefits of this and other magnet programs. The benefit of this particular program is that it permits the students to go through the regular courses of study, while at the same time they obtain special experiences in the skills of written, oral and visual communications. This paper examines the school's goal of maintaining a high ratio of teachers to students. The writer delves into the various resources made available to this particular school. Each teacher at the McFadden school has an advanced multimedia center, as well as numerous computers stations available for the students. This paper also cites the results of an interview with an elementary school principal in California. This paper explores the difficulties in communication between parents and faculty, as detailed by the principal. This paper discusses the various problems facing the education system today, including the fact that schools are becoming more like businesses, where increasing efficiency is the top priority, above academic achievement.
From the Paper "The matters which parents have to find out from the students are regarding their friends, and the reason why these other children have developed into friends, and at the same time whether the child considers that he is also a good friend in turn. The next question to be considered is the values that are being taught by the family. This is difficult for many parents to talk to children as their parents keep changing their priorities every day. That is for the comparatively poor students whereas the rich students really do not know what is important for the family. This has to be known to the child. The third serious matter today is regarding the use of drugs, and they have to be restricted to only prescription drugs. Along with this is the use of tobacco as children often see adults smoking outside, but they have to be told that this is not good for them. This has to be clearly told to them. The other problem that the parents have to inform the children is regarding the development from a child to an adult, and this does not happen overnight."
Tags: magnet, education, accelerated, academics, politics, faculty, communication
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the crime of arson. The writer examines how such a crime can be detected. The paper first examines the chemistry of a fire in detail and then looks at how fires spread. The writer discusses how to differentiate arson from an accidental fire, by detecting the presence of accelerants.
From the Paper "The crime of arson is the willful burning of someone else's property and the crime is more dangerous to human life than murder because statistically, murderers usually do not kill again but arsonists will continue to set fires until they are caught. Arson investigations are highly complex processes and unless conducted immediately valuable evidence may be lost forever. To determine whether a fire is accidental or a case of arson, it is necessary to understand the basics of the chemistry and behavior of fires. Fire is ... "
Tags:accelerants, ignition point, flashpoint, conduction, convection, radiation
The paper discusses the impact of the events of 9/11 on the US economy, looking at such important issues as consumer spending, airline industry, investment and unemployment.
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of September 11 tragedy on the economic conditions of the United States. The author examines how the economy, which had showed a dismal performance for three consecutive quarters before September, completely collapsed when the disaster struck as consumer spending decreased with lower purchasing power, investment and borrowing declined, all industries reported lower profits and there was an alarming increase in unemployment. The paper also briefly discusses the condition of the airline industry after the tragic events of 9/11.
From the paper:
"The United States economy had already been predicted to go into recession when the tragedy of September 11 struck and accelerated the downward spiral of economic conditions of our country. . The economy crumpled as many industries in the country were hit harshly by the attacks and the slow down finally took shape of recession. After three quarters of poor GDP growth, it was almost certain that the economy was heading towards recession but September 11th attacks only accelerated the negative process. The government has been unable to generate enough Consumer-spending despite several announcements of tax cuts, which are aimed at giving people more purchasing power. Money supply and demand in the market is insufficient to tempt businessmen to increase production."
