This paper examines the vital role adults play in instilling confidence and self-esteem in young children and ponders whether a high self-esteem automatically results in children achieving more than those with lower self-confidence.
Abstract The writer of this paper explores the conflicting research which argues that high self-esteem in children does not necessary lead to higher achievements. This paper details the signs of low self-esteem in young children as well as tips and suggestions for improving a child's self-esteem. Also discussed in this paper is the correlation between children with low self-esteem problems and the rising incidents of school violence and the important role both parents and teachers must play in instilling a high level of self-confidence in young children from the start.
From the Paper "Increasing your children's self-esteem is very important. We can see that now more than ever with all the killings in schools. Evidently these children are angry with someone or something. Listening to your children and teaching them how to control their anger is a very important technique that all parents need to learn before our children end up becoming extinct. When self-esteem is promotion in relation to achievement please make sure it fits that achievement."
Tags: child, development, self, esteem, confidence, goals, education, achievement, research
Abstract This paper presents an overview of memory and the different types of memory and then takes a look at the relationship between memory and academic achievement. The paper also describes tests used to measure memory and learning.
From the Paper "This literature review, concerning the topic of the relationship between memory and academic achievement, addresses the following areas relevant to this study: history and overview of memory, different types of memory, memory and academic achievement, tests to measure memory and learning and a conclusion. Baddeley reported that whether memory needs to be regarded as a single system or two or more subsystems was a major controversy during the..."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that for many years there has been a considerable achievement gap in America. Most often this achievement gap is evident when comparing wealthy children to poor children. There are also achievement gaps along the lines of race and gender. The writer explores why these achievement gaps exist and the ways in which these gaps can be reduced. The writer also provides some facts concerning the types of achievement gaps that exist in America. The writer maintains that achievement gaps between white and black students begin in elementary school and exist throughout adulthood. The research suggests that such factors as poverty, under funding and racism play substantial roles in contributing to the achievement gap amongst American students.
Outline:
Introduction
Achievement Gap
Why Does an Achievement Gap Exist?
Poverty
Unequal Funding
Locus of Control
Acting White
Academic Disengagement
Reasons for Academic Disengagement
How to reduce the Achievement Gap
Adequate School Funding and School Choice
Better Trained and Better Paid Teachers
Detracking
Changing Perceptions
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "When schools do not have adequate funding they can not purchase enough books for every student, school equipment may be deteriorating and students may not have access to the technologies needed. A lack of these essential tools can make it difficult for students to thrive.
"In addition to adequate school funding, school choice may be needed in some districts. The issue of school choice is a controversial one but parents and students should not have to bear the cost of schools that are failing children and not providing them with the education needed to compete in the world. In a perfect world schools would get funding and well trained teachers but the reality is that in order to close the achievement gap some serious issues must be addressed and this may result in the temporary or permanent closing of underperforming or failing schools."
An in-depth examination about whether there exist actual and/or perceived differences in the achievement motivation levels of samples of colored and black African students attending The University of Fort Hare and the University of Western Cape.
Abstract This study examines racial/ethnic issues in relation to achievement motivation and perceptions of achievement motivation in groups of South African university students. The study asks if achievement motivation is significantly related to differences in students' racial/ethnic background. It also questions whether perceptions of other racial/ethnic groups' levels of achievement motivation are significantly related to differences in students' racial/ethnic background. It then asks if achievement motivation is significantly related to differences in where students attend school (Fort Hare or Western Cape) and whether perceptions of other racial/ethnic groups' levels of achievement motivation significantly related to differences in where students attend school (Fort Hare or Western Cape).
Introduction
Review of Literature
Methods
Conclusion
Sources
From the Paper "The background of this study examination of achievement motivation as it relates to ethnic differences in groups of South African college students is really the history of South Africa and its ethnic diversity, tensions, and conflict. South Africa, located at the southern tip continent of Africa, has a population of 45.1 million people. It is slightly less than twice the size of Texas and boasts of high sweeping plateaus, towering mountains, deep valleys and beautiful beaches lining its long, fertile coast. Ethnically and racially diverse, South Africa is about 75.2 percent black, 8.6 percent Colored (mixed-race), 13.6 percent white, and 2.6 percent Indian. Most whites, coloreds and blacks (about 60 percent of each group) are Christians. However, there is a Hindu minority to which about 60 percent of the Indians belong; of the remaining groups, most are Muslims."
Abstract This paper provides a brief review of the literature pertaining to educational achievement among incarcerated inmates. Early, survey-based research suggested that incarcerated students showed higher educational achievement. In contrast, later research that used a standardized testing as a means of assessing student achievement showed that there were no differences in educational achievement between inmates and traditional on-campus students. The paper notes that a great deal of further research is required before we can fully determine the achievement of incarcerated inmates in comparison to traditional students.
From the Paper "Educational achievement among incarcerated inmates is little understood. Incarcerated inmates are often seen as lacking in key critical thinking skills that may reduce their ability to perform well in higher education. This lack of critical thinking ability is sometimes seen as correlated to their tendency to commit crimes and appear in the criminal justice system. At the same time, these inmates are seen as having a high degree of commitment and motivation to higher education."
Abstract This paper examines how during his reign, the medieval emperor Charlemagne came to dominate Europe and create an empire of a scale not seen since classical times. It looks at how he created a renaissance of learning, the arts and culture in Europe. It analyses how the empire was achieved through a number of important military victories and how after the death of Charlemagne it became quickly divided and fragmented. It puts forward the argument that his educational and cultural achievements were greater and more durable than his military and political achievements even though his educational and cultural achievements were often fundamentally dependent on or instrumental in his military and political coups.
From the Paper "Charlemagne instilled a great deal of importance in historical texts. He realised the importance of annals and other historical texts in creating a sense of history and of collective national identity. It was very important to build up texts of the history of the Carolingians as part of the empire's pursuit of legitimacy. An example of an historical text which had a clear political impact and related strongly to Charlemagne's military achievements was Paul the Deacon's "Hisotira Langobardorum". This was a history of Lombardy. According to Mckitterick this history was ?an active contribution to the shaping of Frankish and Lombard relations.? This work actively portrayed the Carolingians as natural heirs to Lombardy."
Abstract This paper argues that the Brown vs. Board of Education, a Supreme Court decision mandating the integration of public schools with the purpose of promoting equality in education, and ultimately in society, has not yet achieved this ideal. The first part of this paper details how the achievement gap between different races can be seen in all levels of education, from primary to college levels. This section also looks at how this gap can be discerned in various areas from academic subjects like mathematics to extra curricular activities like SAT preparations. The next part of the paper then looks at the reasons why this achievement gap persists. Finally, the paper looks at various programs that are geared towards narrowing this gap. Though their successes remain limited, this paper argues that programs such as these are the only long-term solution to a problem as ingrained as the achievement gap in education.
From the Paper "The scholastic achievement gap starts as early as pre-school. Data from the U.S. Department of Labor (cited in Jacobson 2001) shows that by kindergarten and first grade, children of African American, American Indian and Latino heritage exhibit lower levels of school awareness compared to white and Asian children of the same age. These tests measure factors such as the mastery of oral language, pre-mathematics and pre-reading skills. In addition, African American, American Indian and Latino children also who lower levels of general knowledge."
Abstract In this article, the writer offers an evaluation of student achievement in academia. In particular the researcher explores whether boys are performing at a lower level of achievement than girls in the realm of academia. For purposes of this study the author hypothesizes that 7th grade boys will achieve at least 1-grade level below 7th grade girls resulting from maturation differences. This study aims to help identify what, if any, gap exists in the achievement between girls and boys at the elementary level, assuming that early intervention is most likely to yield positive results when addressing education gaps among children.
From the Paper "Broude suggests that the situation of boys in the world of academia may best be described as "desperate" with alarming news suggesting that boys are consistently plagued with "depression, isolation, despair and fragile self esteem" all of which may contribute to poor performance in school compared with girls who are more likely to thrive. Broude also agrees that boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with learning disabilities including attention-deficit disorder which may contribute to higher rates of drop outs among boys and inability to achieve at the same level of their female peers. Many have referred to these recent trends as the "boy problem" suggesting that adolescent boys are particularly at risk for academic struggles in the current educational system."
Abstract This paper examines the role of the mentor in the academic achievement of low-achieving students. It focuses on the history of mentoring, the description of the mentoring process and the relationship between mentoring and student achievement. The paper concludes that in most cases mentoring is a process that benefits both parties and assists in improving conditions in the academic setting or in the workplace.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
The History of Mentoring
The Mentoring Process
The Relationship Between Mentoring and Student Achievement Conclusion
From the Paper "As it related to academic achievement, the researchers focused on two measures of academic achievement: test scores and grades. The research results found that the mentored students in the first cohort were more successful academically that the students without mentors by the time 8th grade was completed. On the other hand, the mentored students in the second cohort actually did worse than the students without mentors. The researchers point out several reasons for the differences between these groups. One factor being the differences between the academic statuses of students in these groups. In addition, the participants were chosen differently between the two groups. The first cohort consisted of students that were chosen by teachers and the second was chosen randomly."
An exploration of how academic achievement can be improved by peer acceptance and a description of an experimental study carried out to demonstrate this.
Abstract This paper describes an experimental study with the purpose of determining whether positive peer relationships correlate with higher academic achievement. The writer discusses past research on peer acceptance and school performance, predicting achievement scores from peer acceptance and friendship status, negative peer treatment and achievement, and on the influence of peer groups on feelings of connectedness. The writer explains how the current study differs from past research and describes in detail the activities carried out with an intervention group and a control group. Both groups were given the California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition, before the study and are to be given it again at the end of the academic year after the study. The writer predicts how the graph of the results of the study should look for both groups with regard to both the CAT/6 and to social skills. The paper concludes with the prediction that the peer relationship training that participants would receive in the intervention groups would significantly elevate their scores in both CAT/6 and social skills, compared with the participants in the control groups. This paper includes figures.
From the Paper "My experiment will differ from the past research in that it will be an experimental study with an intervention group and control group. The past research was not able to manipulate variables and therefore had many confounding variables that could have skewed the results. I chose this study because I believe peer relationships and emotional functions have a huge impact on academic success during the early developing years of childhood. I believe that if there were more work done to help develop positive peer relationships; educational and achievement benefits would follow suit. The hypothesis of my paper is that children who participate in the intervention group will achieve more in academics and will be rated higher in positive social skills by their peers."
Abstract The paper begins with a statement of its purpose and a general definition of under-achievement. The writer then goes on to provide several strategies for teachers to use in their work with low achieving students. The paper concludes with a discussion of methods for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of teachers' implementation of learned strategies.
From the Paper "Underachievement is commonly defined as the academic performance levels of children being less than their measured potential for work in a given subject area or areas. Underachievement can occur from a variety of causes such as lack of stimulation in school making children grow bored with educational activities, low motivation, and so forth. However, in children who are refugees from their homeland underachievement can also be associated with a variety of traumatic stressors these children were exposed to at an early age. However, regardless of the cause of children's underachievement, there are educational strategies that teachers can use to help these students perform at their potential."
Tags:achievement, learning, goals, progress, children
Abstract This study aims to investigate what critical factors are necessary for staff and faculty to adopt in the classroom to raise achievement among multicultural students. The study includes qualitative analysis of factors contributing to student achievement so that a grounded theory can be adopted with regard to what factors truly influence student success. A survey methodology is proposed to analyze what factors teachers and students feel contribute to achievement in and outside the classroom.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Significance of Study
Preliminary Literature Review
Methods
From the Paper "There is a large body of evidence, which suggests that cooperative learning is useful in encouraging student interaction in the classroom and impacting student achievement (Vaughan, 2002). The extent to which cooperative learning can aid multicultural students however has not been thoroughly investigated; in fact, cooperative learning is believed to be of most use in small settings of heterogeneous population groups (Vaughan, 2002). It is based on principles including group accountability, collaborative skills and group processing as well as positive interdependence (Vaughan, 2002). The extent to which these skills can be translated to multicultural populations has yet to be examined in greater detail (Banks, 2001)."
Abstract This paper provides a literature review that analyzes a comprehensive intervention to increase student achievement in 10th grade global history. It specifically focuses on how educational leaders and researchers can use staff development as an intervention to increase student achievement. The paper also discusses what types of staff development programs are most effective in raising the competency of teachers.
Table of Contents:
Review of the Literature
Improving Student Achievement Instructional strategies
Professional development
Summary
From the Paper "However, staff development as a means of improving student achievement is a complex organizational goal, involving many components. The ADHS administrators have been neglectful by providing staff development in a one-shot format to its teachers. This type of approach has proven not to work. To make matters worse, goals for improvement have existed in isolation; the administrators have not provided follow-up or feedback to the teachers concerning staff development. In addition, ADHS administrators have also been evaluating teaching instead of student learning. This research project attempted to move learning from being teacher focused to student centered by improving the ADHS's current staff development program on DOL and supervising learning (Marzano, 1997)."
Abstract This paper first illustrates the argument that cultures of achievement are essential to democratic society. Then, methodologies for introducing such cultures to a community are proposed and examples of a plausible organization that seeks to achieve this goal in the form of an intra-mural squash club are given.
From the Paper "In a book called Geography of Nowhere - The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape, James Howard Kunstler makes a dismal observation about the landscape of America. Whereas America was once a land of Our-Town-esque Main Streets and cogent communities, it has fallen into an amorphous array of highways, fast food restaurants, parking lots and sprawling pre-fab housing developments. He makes the claim that Eighty percent of everything ever built in America has been built in the last fifty years, and most of it is depressing, brutal, ugly, unhealthy, and spiritually degrading. The diffusion of American society to the corners of the carbon-copy suburbs and exurbs is lamentable, however, one is forced to ask why people fled the urban neighborhoods that had formed the nuclei of social interaction.
Robert Putnam, Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, blames the alienation of the individual from society on the decline of group-oriented social activities. Not only does he see these as key to building better communities, he claims that they are essential to the American Republic. His book, Bowling Alone, has been considered the most important work on society in America in the 1990?s. In an interview about his book, Putnam described why he considered a competitive sport such as bowling to be such a crucial element in society. Writing in 1994, Putnam notes that although bowling alone, which is non-competitive, is up by 10% since 1980, the existence of competitive bowling leagues was down by 40%."
Abstract This paper is on "Self-esteem and academic achievement". The main purpose of the paper is to explore that does any sort of relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement exists. It also analyzes that what strategies are pursued in order to protect self-esteem when it is threatened by a negative self-evaluation of school competence.
