Current Search: Hoffman, Elizabeth (x)
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- Title
- A SURVEY OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS IN REGARDS TO THEIR ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION AND ITS USE IN THE CLASSROOM.
- Creator
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Kosky, Amy, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert...
Show moreIn 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert that science fiction is the most realistic, the most serious, the most significant, the most sane and healthy and human fiction being published today" (Davenport, 1959). Preservice teachers enrolled in the education program at a large metropolitan university were surveyed to determine if they had preconceived notions about science fiction, if they would use science fiction within their classrooms and if science fiction would be available to the students in their classrooms. Also explored was if these future educators believed science fiction was too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. Analysis of this survey revealed that although most preservice teachers believe science fiction literature has value within the classroom and they planned to use it at least part of the time, about one in five believed the concepts and themes were too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. The researcher of this study hopes the information contained in this study can help educators encourage students to read science fiction as well as provide the educators with a resource of science fiction literature book titles which are grade level and ability level appropriate for their students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004633, ucf:45313
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004633
- Title
- ELEMENTARY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEMATIC UNIT INSTRUCTION VERSUS SINGLE-SUBJECT INSTRUCTION.
- Creator
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Shea, Shana, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research project was to determine whether thematic unit instruction or traditional, single-subject instruction was perceived to be the more effective and engaging way of teaching as decided by pre-service teachers. Research has shown that incorporating multiple subjects into one unit or topic of study helps to create more engagement and connections to which students can relate. In creating these connections, students can relate the content to their real life and in turn,...
Show moreThe focus of this research project was to determine whether thematic unit instruction or traditional, single-subject instruction was perceived to be the more effective and engaging way of teaching as decided by pre-service teachers. Research has shown that incorporating multiple subjects into one unit or topic of study helps to create more engagement and connections to which students can relate. In creating these connections, students can relate the content to their real life and in turn, better comprehend and retain the material. The pre-service teachers attend the University of Central Florida, College of Education and Human Performance. They voluntarily participated in completing a survey about their perceptions of single subject instruction versus thematic unit instruction. In the survey, the pre-service teachers seemed to be varied on what they believed was a better method of instruction for their future students. The pre-service teachers were split 50/50 as to whether they will teach traditionally, single-subject, or thematically. The pre-service teachers were unanimous in the idea that if they had the support of other teachers and administration as well as resources and research to guide them, that thematic instruction is a method of teaching that they would consider using. Nearly all of the teachers surveyed referred back to doing what is in the best interest of their students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004719, ucf:45376
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004719
- Title
- AN EXAMINATION OF RELATIONAL BULLYING IN AWARD WINNING NEWBERY BOOKS, 1996-2016.
- Creator
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Wann, Kaysey N, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Relational bullying, although covert in nature and difficult for adults to notice and identify, is becoming increasingly prevalent among young children and teens. The success of bibliotherapy as preventative and intervention practices for bullying shows that portrayals of relational bullying in quality children's literature would be effective in reducing and preventing it. However, relational bullying is rarely portrayed in children's literature. My goal was to find quality children's...
Show moreRelational bullying, although covert in nature and difficult for adults to notice and identify, is becoming increasingly prevalent among young children and teens. The success of bibliotherapy as preventative and intervention practices for bullying shows that portrayals of relational bullying in quality children's literature would be effective in reducing and preventing it. However, relational bullying is rarely portrayed in children's literature. My goal was to find quality children's realistic fiction literature that portrays relational bullying in Newbery award-winning books, and to bring them to the attention of teachers. After creating a table to determine what types of bullying, if any, were portrayed in the 21 Newbery Medal and Honor realistic fiction children's literature (1996-2016), the books were read in their totality, and analyzed for any portrayals of relational bullying, including the experience of bullying from the eyes of the bully, victim, and bystander. The bullying portrayed in the literature was described, as well as the characteristics of the bully and victim. Only 10 out of the 21 books read contained portrayals of bullying in the plot. Using this information, future research will include creating a website for teachers, other educational professionals, and parents, to help bring quality children's literature portrayals of relational bullying to their attention. The hope is that teachers will begin to use the findings of this study as a resource with their students, to prevent or address relational bullying in their classrooms, and to recommend it to school psychologists, counselors, and parents, as needed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH0000231, ucf:44684
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0000231
- Title
- INCORPORATING GRAPHIC NOVELS INTO SOCIAL STUDIES BASED INSTRUCTION: AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF DETERMINING QUALITY GRAPHIC NOVELS.
- Creator
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Johannessen, Lindsey, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT It is becoming increasing important that teachers educate students about social studies in such a way so that students are interested and motivated by what they read. So often the curriculum is bombarded with physically heavy, incomprehensible, and traditional textbooks. Based upon the need for extensions to the social studies textbooks, my goal to establish a guideline for selecting quality graphic novels fitted for elementary social studies instruction. Therefore, my study will...
Show moreABSTRACT It is becoming increasing important that teachers educate students about social studies in such a way so that students are interested and motivated by what they read. So often the curriculum is bombarded with physically heavy, incomprehensible, and traditional textbooks. Based upon the need for extensions to the social studies textbooks, my goal to establish a guideline for selecting quality graphic novels fitted for elementary social studies instruction. Therefore, my study will attempt to answer the question: What is an effective means of determining quality graphic novels? Following my adaptation and creation of rubrics established for determining the needs and qualities of graphic novels, I was able to establish and analyze several social studies content related graphic novels appropriate for the elementary social studies curriculum. This investigation into social studies graphic novels provided 18 graphic novels for possible use in the elementary social studies curriculum, 5 of which were deemed quality via the established rubrics. Furthermore, the investigation proved that the books deemed quality provided more than what was established as necessary within the rubrics. The additional information found within those texts was referred to as a postlude. One strong conclusion from this study is the large void of graphic novels that teachers might link with the social studies curriculum so as to enhance elementary social studies instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003824, ucf:44764
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003824
- Title
- EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES AND RESOURCES FOR INTEGRATINGQUALITY CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN INTERMEDIATE SOCIALSTUDIES INSTRUCTION.
- Creator
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Locke, Priscilla, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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For many educators in intermediate grades, the challenge is to find ways to introduce material in an engaging and meaningful way prior to students reading the textbook. Rather than having students read solely from a textbook, some educators have begun incorporating literature in the classroom in order to introduce material, to help students connect to prior knowledge. As time has passed social studies curriculum has been Teachers have an important role and responsibility to connect students...
Show moreFor many educators in intermediate grades, the challenge is to find ways to introduce material in an engaging and meaningful way prior to students reading the textbook. Rather than having students read solely from a textbook, some educators have begun incorporating literature in the classroom in order to introduce material, to help students connect to prior knowledge. As time has passed social studies curriculum has been Teachers have an important role and responsibility to connect students to the curriculum that they are required to learn. One of the best ways to do this is by capturing their interests and tapping their prior knowledge through the use of quality children's literature. After observing intermediate social studies instruction in local classrooms, what is being done in the classroom and what they might need to enhance this process, I developed a guide for educators that may want additional resources and ideas for using quality literature in social studies instruction. This guide included instructional strategies, sample lessons, suggested quality literature and classroom activities to assist educators in helping students make connections and understand the content of social studies curriculum.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004452, ucf:45132
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004452
- Title
- EFFECTIVE METHODS OF PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
- Creator
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Alfonzo-Reyes, Luzeana, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Families from all over the world come to the United States for a new beginning. More often than not, these families speak little or no English. A challenge that teachers face every day is trying to communicate with children and their families who speak little or no English. Following a review of the various forms of communication and types of parental involvement, a survey was created. This survey was completed by elementary teachers in a local lower socioeconomic area elementary school with...
Show moreFamilies from all over the world come to the United States for a new beginning. More often than not, these families speak little or no English. A challenge that teachers face every day is trying to communicate with children and their families who speak little or no English. Following a review of the various forms of communication and types of parental involvement, a survey was created. This survey was completed by elementary teachers in a local lower socioeconomic area elementary school with a high mobility rates and high levels of English Language Learner (ELL) students. The results of this study will offer the most effective ways teachers can openly communicate with families who speak little or no English. The results suggest that although vital, communication between the parents of ELL students and the teacher varies from teacher to teacher. Additionally, having resources available to teachers at the school and using the resources available allows parents and teachers to communicate effectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004190, ucf:44833
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004190
- Title
- USING PICTUREBOOKS TO ENHANCE THIRD GRADE SCIENCE INSTRUCTION AND MEET THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS.
- Creator
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Chippa, Onaiza, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Teachers are constantly being asked to use innovative ways to teach core subjects, especially science. Teachers need to get students engaged and actively learning, at all times and that is not an easy task. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of quality children's literature in enhancing science instruction in the third grade curriculum while implementing and helping students meet the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS). I researched how using children...
Show moreTeachers are constantly being asked to use innovative ways to teach core subjects, especially science. Teachers need to get students engaged and actively learning, at all times and that is not an easy task. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of quality children's literature in enhancing science instruction in the third grade curriculum while implementing and helping students meet the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS). I researched how using children's literature in the science curriculum may be beneficial for students. I have created a handbook that third grade teachers can use as a resource to enhance their science curricula. This handbook breaks down the four bodies of knowledge (Life Science, Earth and Space Science, Physical Science, and Nature of Science) and eleven big ideas for the third grade NGSSS. It includes titles and short descriptions of picturebooks that relate to those benchmarks. It also relates the third grade science benchmarks to the ELA CCSS through activities teachers can use to teach any given benchmark.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004520, ucf:45182
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004520
- Title
- LISTENING TO STUDENT VOICES: FIFTH GRADERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEIR MATHEMATICS LEARNING WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A MATHEMATICS REFORM EFFORT.
- Creator
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Hoffman, Elizabeth, Killingsworth Roberts, Sherron, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in...
Show moreThis qualitative study explored fifth graders' perceptions of their mathematics learning within the context of a reform effort. Students' voices are the focus of this study due to the paucity of literature on student learning from the students' perspective (Erickson & Shultz, 1992), particularly the elementary student (Gentilucci, 2004). The participants of this study, who in the past have been given a variety of labels including "disadvantaged" or "at-risk," clearly articulated, even in nonstandard English, their perceptions of their mathematics learning. They passionately explained what helped them learn mathematics as well as what impeded their mathematics learning and were often incredibly insightful in their commentary. In an effort to hear and present the student voices, the data gathering methods used in this study included the use of focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and classroom observations as well as the use of a student survey. Several ethnographic methods and practices were employed to help ensure the credibility of this study, including triangulation and member checking. Data analysis involved a highly detailed, organic process which culminated in the emergence of a number of significant themes involving students' perspectives of mathematics, their mathematics experiences prior to fifth grade, and finally their perspectives of their learning during the first year of a mathematics reform effort. A number of valuable lessons learned as a result of this study are presented and translated into implications for the elementary mathematics classroom. These lessons, based on the students' own voices, urge teachers to prioritize mathematics instruction, effectively utilize manipulatives, games, and alternative algorithms as well as encourage classroom discourse about mathematics. If teachers would follow this outline, provided by the students' voices, students' mathematical power will be more deeply realized. Additionally, the promise of true reform due to the transformational power of students' voices is discussed and the possibilities defined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0000973, ucf:46693
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000973
- Title
- TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES IN THE SECONDARY ART CLASSROOM WITH A FOCUS ON STUDENTS WITH AUTISM, DOWN SYNDROME, AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT.
- Creator
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Fannan, Cheyanne Maree, McGann, Debra, Killingsworth Roberts, Sherron & Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The intent of this thesis is to discover teaching strategies for students who have exceptionalities with a focus on students who have Autism, Down syndrome, or Visual Impairment and how these teaching strategies can be used to teach students in a mainstreamed secondary art classroom. Since the mainstreaming of the public school system has increased, students with exceptionalities have caused uncertainty among teachers about which teaching strategies to use in the classroom to meet all of...
Show moreThe intent of this thesis is to discover teaching strategies for students who have exceptionalities with a focus on students who have Autism, Down syndrome, or Visual Impairment and how these teaching strategies can be used to teach students in a mainstreamed secondary art classroom. Since the mainstreaming of the public school system has increased, students with exceptionalities have caused uncertainty among teachers about which teaching strategies to use in the classroom to meet all of their students needs. New teaching strategies need to be brought into the classroom to change the way students are learning. This thesis will include: the general facts, characteristics, accommodations, and modifications of Autism, Down syndrome, and Visual Impairment. An understanding of how students with Autism, Down syndrome, or Visual Impairment learn and what teaching strategies can be used in a secondary art classroom to provide the least restrictive learning environment to the students will be addressed. Suggested teaching strategies for students with Autism include the use of visualizations, change in pace, adaptive tools, and choosing materials wisely. For students with Down syndrome include simplification, repetition, breaking the lesson down into parts, and pacing. Students with Visual Impairment will need tactile materials, clear wording, descriptive visuals, and labeling, light, and intense color.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFH2000248, ucf:46000
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000248
- Title
- A CONTACT ANALYSIS OF CALDECOTT MEDAL AND HONOR BOOKS FROM 2001-2011: EXAMINING GENDER ISSUES AND EQUITY IN 21ST CENTURY CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS.
- Creator
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Yello, Nicole, Hoffman, Ph.D., Elizabeth S., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
An abundance of research has been conducted about the importance of including books and literature as part of a young child's developmental process. Much of this research suggests that picture books are vital to a young child's healthy development and "are important influences that shape us by reflecting the politics and values of our society". This study was completed to analyze character roles and gender representation of male and female characters exclusively in children's picture books....
Show moreAn abundance of research has been conducted about the importance of including books and literature as part of a young child's developmental process. Much of this research suggests that picture books are vital to a young child's healthy development and "are important influences that shape us by reflecting the politics and values of our society". This study was completed to analyze character roles and gender representation of male and female characters exclusively in children's picture books. The entire population of Caldecott Award and Honor Medal books published between 2001 and 2011 was utilized for a frequency analysis. Each Caldecott Award and Honor Medal book meeting this study's criteria was examined, read and analyzed. Books included only works of fiction and were delimited to exclude biographies, autobiographies, informational books, concept books and poetry. A total of 24 books were used in the data analysis. This research attempted to answer the following question: Are males and females equitably represented in recently published children's literature? From a content-analysis approach, within a historical perspective, this research aimed at examining if gender bias still dominates the literature, and if so, to what extent. The intellectual interest of this project is in discovering male and female presence and imagery in children's picture books.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004186, ucf:44840
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004186
- Title
- An Examination of Perceptions and Intentions of Preservice Educators in Title I Settings.
- Creator
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Kaczmarczyk, Annemarie, Roberts, Sherron, Lue, Martha, Hoffman, Elizabeth, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
With the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15...
Show moreWith the shifting demographics of our nation and increased vacancies in schools, teacher preparation programs must equip teachers to work with today's culturally, academically, racially, and economically (CARE) diverse student population effectively. University-based teacher preparation programs are called to examine the steps taken and experiences provided to develop effective teachers to work with CARE students and fill vacancies, specifically in Title I schools. Preservice teachers, 15 total, participated in this qualitative study examining the perceptions and intentions of PSTs who were exposed to course content and field experiences that focused on Title I and CARE students. The PSTs were placed into two focus groups based on the number of times they were exposed to both throughout their undergraduate career. Participants who had one to two episodes of previous exposure comprised the first group. Participants who had three opportunities for exposure (course content, field experience, and/or first internship) comprised the second focus group. All PSTs were completing their final internship with placements in Title I schools. Findings gleaned from the transcripts indicated that stereotypes and previous perceptions of Title I schools and CARE students were positively impacted through their experiences. Throughout their internship semester, all participants used words that denoted respect and understanding for their diverse students and for their beginning challenges to implement instruction. PSTs noted a need for additional preparation in undergraduate courses related to best practice and classroom management within their Title I school settings. Despite challenges, six participants opted to seek employment in Title I schools. Of the remaining participants, five indicated intentions to teach in non-Title I, while four remained neutral. Future related research will focus on creating and providing meaningful experiences for PSTs that lead to positive intentions for teaching in Title I schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007202, ucf:52270
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007202
- Title
- A Single Case Study on the Influence of Feedback on the Instructional Quality of a Preservice Elementary Teacher in Mathematics: The Instructional Quality Assessment Toolkit as a Resource.
- Creator
-
Campbell Sutherland, Makini, Dixon, Juli, Safi, Farshid, Hoffman, Elizabeth, Andreasen, Janet, Childs, Kristopher, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this single case study was to determine if a preservice elementary teacher's instruction would be influenced by feedback on mathematics lessons. The focus of the research was on the use of the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA) (Boston 2012) toolkit as an integral part in the feedback process. The IQA toolkit provides number ratings as well as qualitative descriptive ratings of various aspects of the mathematics lesson, defined under two constructs, or groups, labeled...
Show moreThe purpose of this single case study was to determine if a preservice elementary teacher's instruction would be influenced by feedback on mathematics lessons. The focus of the research was on the use of the Instructional Quality Assessment (IQA) (Boston 2012) toolkit as an integral part in the feedback process. The IQA toolkit provides number ratings as well as qualitative descriptive ratings of various aspects of the mathematics lesson, defined under two constructs, or groups, labeled Academic Rigor and Accountable Talk. The researcher evaluated a preservice teacher's instruction on three occasions and facilitated feedback sessions following those observation sessions, integrating the number ratings of the IQA toolkit with the qualitative descriptions of expectations. It was found that there was an increase in ratings for both constructs of Academic Rigor and Accountable Talk over the period of three feedback cycles. There was a difference in how the students were facilitated in instruction over the three observations. The teacher became more aware of some of her behaviors in the classroom that contributed to the type of instruction given to students.In reviewing the literature, there was limited evidence of the use of the IQA toolkit for the iterative process of teaching, feedback, and teaching informed by feedback. This research is therefore useful in expanding the use of the IQA toolkit for feedback purposes. Preservice teachers as well as in-service teachers can benefit from feedback focused on mathematics teaching that makes them more aware of their strengths and weaknesses so they are able to adjust instruction based on the feedback received.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006983, ucf:51679
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006983