A study examined the effects of using children's literature to introduce new science concepts to kindergarten children. Subjects, 48 kindergarten students, were arbitrarily assigned to either the control group or the experimental group. The experimental group was taught a unit on oceans using children's literature to introduce the science…

This action research project reports on the effects of classroom size on the quality of work conditions, academic achievement, and students' behavior. The kindergarten through third grade levels were targeted at three schools, one in a suburban setting and the other two in a growing rural area. For the 1999-2000 school year, the urban school had…

This dissertation combines linguistics, sociology, aesthetics, and psychology to explore the philosophical and pedagogical assumptions which currently provide the framework for answering the question, "What is English?" The theories of Piaget, Langer, Mead, and Berger and Luckmann are used to define two essential terms: presentational and…

An action research study implemented a program for improving the reading ability of first-grade students who enter school with low reading readiness skills. The targeted population came from a mid-size, middle-class town in northern Illinois that has experienced recent growth and socioeconomic changes. The problem was evidenced by teacher…

With advances being made in the area of technology and increased emphasis being placed on use of technology in the classroom, teachers and administrators are questioning the effectiveness of technology driven teaching aids. The present issue revolves around whether students' academic performance can be enhanced by using and incorporating…

Two tests based on chapters 1-3 and 4-5, respectively, of "High School Mathematics, Course 1" by M. Beberman and H. E. Vaughan (1964) were given to 154 ninth-grade students at Pekin High School in Illinois before (pre-test) and after (post-test) coverage of chapters 1-3 and 4-5 in class. The tests were sent to 105 teachers from 70 schools in 19…

A study examined the effects of daily journal writing on kindergarten children's phonics acquisition. At St. Joseph School in Carteret, New Jersey, 21 kindergartners kept daily journals in addition to normal classroom instruction over a period of 4 months, while the 20 kindergartners in another class received only the normal classroom phonics…

An action research project developed a program for increasing student engagement in social studies. The targeted population consisted of fourth-grade students in a Midwestern suburban community. The problem of limited engagement was documented by interviews with third and fourth grade teachers, entries in the teacher's journal, and a series of…

This project describes a program designed to improve the music reading abilities of second grade children. The intention is to discover the best possible method of teaching students basic rhythmic and melodic skills. When combined, these skills will not only increase students' understanding of the language of music, but will also increase…

A study examined the impact of song writing, dramatization, and performance on third graders' ability to learn and retain social studies concepts. Students (n=18) were taught a unit on natural land forms and bodies of water in which they dramatized and performed songs which incorporated the main ideas of each unit. Upon completion of each unit,…

McDougal, Littell and Company has designed the geography program called "Daily Geography" which incorporates geography into the daily social studies curriculum. "Daily Geography" aims to increase students' knowledge and understanding of the physical aspects of geography. A study tested the "Daily Geography" program to…

A program was developed to improve the attitudes of elementary students toward the artistic experience and the end products of artistic creativity. The targeted population consisted of fifth grade students at a Midwestern elementary school in an affluent suburb. A low level of interest was exhibited by students toward the artwork they produced.…

A classroom research project in Alaska explored what role dramatic play and story reenactments have as a teaching/learning method for young childrens' development. A review of the literature identified several common elements that helped teachers elicit successful dramatic story reenactments: choosing a familiar book or story; encouraging…

A six week study determined whether carefully chosen children's literature, as an ancillary component to the social studies curriculum, is more beneficial to students than teaching strictly from the social studies textbook. The study's null hypothesis states there is no difference between using the textbook and supplemental children's literature…

A study examined two different methods used to increase story comprehension. These methods were implemented using two kindergarten classes from the Secaucus New Jersey Public School District during a 4-week instructional period. The students from one classroom listened to stories proceeded by dramatization. Retelling techniques used were role…