scholarly journals Differentiated Reading Instruction With Technology for Advanced Middle School Students’ Reading Achievement

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarissa Haymon ◽  
Andrea Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Reading Instruction ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Scores ◽  
Mixed Design ◽  
School Students ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Instructional Needs

Guided by the theory of differentiated instruction, this quantitative study evaluated the effectiveness of Achieve 3000, a technology-enhanced program for differentiating reading instruction. Achieve 3000 was fully implemented with fidelity in a local middle school that has a large percentage of advanced learners. Archived reading scores of 120 advanced Grade 6–8 students were compared pre- and postimplementation of Achieve 3000. A paired-samples t test examining the overall effect of the intervention indicated that students’ posttest LevelSet Lexile reading scores were significantly higher than their pretest scores. A mixed-design analysis of variance was used to examine the main and interaction effects of time (pretest vs. posttest) and grade level (Grades 6–8) on students’ LevelSet Lexile reading scores. A significant main effect of grade level and a significant time by grade interaction were present with Grade 6 advanced learners showing significantly greater increases in LevelSet Lexile reading scores following the Achieve 3000 intervention as compared to the other grade levels. These findings suggest that the Achieve 3000 program was effective for meeting the specialized differentiated instructional needs of advanced learners in reading. The implications for social change include offering educators viable, technology-enhanced options for effectively differentiating reading instruction for advanced learners resulting in enhanced academic achievement, thereby benefiting students and the school community.

scholarly journals A study on the examination of the metaphoric perceptions of middle school students about pattern

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 215-250
Author(s):  
Selin Çenberci ◽  
Dilek Sezgin Memnun ◽  
Hasibe İnce
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
School Students ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Phenomenological Design

In this study, it was aimed both to examine middle school students' perceptions of the concept of pattern and to reveal if the metaphoric perceptions which the students created in relation to the concept of pattern changed according to the variable of grade level. The metaphors in relation to the concept were carried out via the "phenomenological" design. For this, a short open ended form was directed to the volunteer fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students who attended to the research from a middle school in Turkey. The qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Besides, the chi-square test was used for quantitative analysis. The perceptions of middle school students were gathered under six different categories. Moreover, the analyses made within the scope of this study revealed that the metaphors which the participant students created for the concept of pattern did not indicate significant difference according to the grade levels.

Self-Evaluation Accuracy among High School and Middle School Instrumentalists

2005 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Hewitt
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Middle School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
School Students ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Grade Level Differences ◽  
Evaluation Accuracy

The purposes of this study were to examine (a) whether grade-level differences exist on self-evaluation tendencies over time, (b) if grade-level differences and evaluator differences exist, alone and in combination, on music performance evaluation, (c) if relationships exist between student self-evaluation and expert evaluations of music performance by grade level, and (d) whether differences exist between grade level and music performance subarea (tone, intonation, melody, etc.) on self-evaluation accuracy. Middle ( N=92) and high school ( N=51) instrumentalists participating in two summer music programs self-evaluated their performances during rehearsals, while expert evaluators judged an individual final performance. Results indicated differences between grade levels on performance self-evaluation as the week progressed for some subareas. High school students were more accurate in their self-evaluations than were middle school musicians for all subareas except melody and rhythm. Middle school students' scores showed greater correlation with experts than did those of high school musicians. Both groups were most accurate in their evaluation of melody and least accurate in evaluation of technique/articulation. January 3, 2005 May 11, 2005.

scholarly journals Differences and Similarities in Scientists’ Images Among Popular USA Middle Grades Science Textbooks

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-83
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hite
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Physical Science ◽  
Earth Science ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
White Male ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
School Students ◽  
Science Textbooks ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Images Of Scientists

<p style="text-align: justify;">Research on students’ perceptions of scientists is ongoing, starting with early research by Mead and Metraux in the 1950s and continuing in the present. Continued research interest in this area is likely due to scholarship suggesting adolescents’ impressions of scientists are sourced in-part from media, which influence their interests in science and identity in becoming a scientist. A significant source of images, in which adolescents (or middle school students) view science and scientists, is in their science textbooks. A qualitative content analysis explored images of scientists in three of the major U.S.-based middle grade science textbooks published in the new millennium: sixth grade biology, seventh grade earth science, and eighth grade physical science. The Draw A Scientist Test (DAST) Checklist was employed to assess scientists’ images and the stereotypes therein. From nine textbooks, 435 images of scientists were coded and analyzed by publisher and grade level / area by DAST constructs of appearance, location, careers, and scientific activities. Statistical analyses showed significant variances between grade levels and textbook publishers of scientists. Despite scientists portrayed in active endeavors, traditional tropes of the scowling, older, solitary, white male scientist persist. This study offers insight in leveraging improved images of scientists in textbooks.</p>

scholarly journals IDENTIFICATION OF THE INTEREST OF TURKISH MIDDLE-SCHOOL STUDENTS IN STEM CAREERS: GENDER AND GRADE LEVEL DIFFERENCES

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşegül Ergün
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Stem Careers ◽  
Career Interest ◽  
School Students ◽  
Grade Level Differences ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Descriptive Survey

In Turkey, it is predicted that the need for STEM employment in the 2016-2023 period will be close to one million and that about 31% of this need will not be met. Therefore, the identification of students’ interest in STEM careers in middle-school is regarded as important. The aim of this research was to identify the interest of middle-school students in STEM careers. The sample of the research was made up of 892 students who received education in four middle-schools in the Aegean region of Turkey. In this research which was of the descriptive survey model, the STEM Career Interest Questionnaire was used to collect data. As a result of research, it was determined that the interest of male students in STEM careers is more positive compared to the female students. It was found that the interest in careers in terms of grade level did not display any differences in the area of technology, whereas it displayed differences in the areas of science, engineering and mathematics. In addition, it was identified that the interest in STEM careers displayed differences in terms of grade level and that as the grade level increases, the interest in STEM careers decreases.

scholarly journals Why Do Saudi EFL Readers Exhibit Poor Reading Abilities?

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Ali AL-Qahtani
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Reading Instruction ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reading Habits ◽  
School Students ◽  
Poor Reading ◽  
Reading Abilities

<p>The aim of the current study was to investigate the reasons behind Saudi learners’ poor reading skills. To this end, the objectives were to identify the reading habits of Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) middle school learners, to understand the extent to which Saudi EFL middle school learners use reading comprehension skills and to explore the perceptions of learners, teachers and supervisors regarding Saudi EFL learners’ reading abilities. The study sample consisted of 90 Saudi EFL middle school students, eight EFL teachers and six supervisors. The students were surveyed and interviewed about their reading habits and use of reading skills, while the teachers and supervisors were interviewed to explore their perceptions about reading instruction in the Saudi context. The results revealed that most Saudi EFL students lack the necessary reading habits in L1 and L2. In addition, they rarely make use of important reading skills when they read English texts. This study identified “lack of exposure to target language”, “poor teaching skills and teacher training programs”, “little attention to comprehension and more attention to reading aloud”, “students’ lack of motivation”, “little emphasis on reading skills in textbooks”, “unfamiliar and unsuitable reading topics”, “lack of reading skills training for students”, “students’ limited vocabulary” and “lack of parental involvement” as the most important factors behind Saudi students’ poor reading abilities. The study concluded with important recommendations and suggestions for future research.</p>

Epistemological Differences Between Gifted and Typically Developing Middle School Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-184
Author(s):  
Shelagh A. Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Gifted Students ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
School Students ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Personal Epistemologies

Students’ personal epistemologies, or their beliefs about knowledge and knowing, have a substantial impact on learning, affecting their responses to curriculum, strategy selection, and psychosocial variables. Changes in epistemological reasoning occur similarly to other stage-based developmental schemes, with qualitative shifts in worldviews at each stage. Some research suggests that gifted students tend to develop higher levels of epistemological reasoning earlier than same-aged typically developing peers. The current study extends research in developmental differences to middle school students. A total of 189 sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade gifted or typical students completed the Learning Context Questionnaire. An analysis of variance was conducted to determine differences by Gifted Status and Grade Level. Results of the analysis revealed significant differences between gifted and typical students, with modest effect size, at each grade level. The discussion includes implications for understanding giftedness and related need for rich inquiry-based learning environments.

Sun-Smart Practices Amongst School Students (Grades 5, 7, and 9) in Alberta, Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Jha ◽  
Shankar Jha ◽  
Sunita Ghosh ◽  
Michael Smylie ◽  
Muba Taher
Keyword(s):  
Grade Level ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
School Students ◽  
Grade Levels ◽  
Protective Behaviour ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Skin Cancers ◽  
Smart Education ◽  
Caucasian Students

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the current knowledge children possess on melanoma and sun-protective behaviour. Methods: A one-page survey was administered to students in grades 5, 7, and 9. Results: Three hundred ninety-two students from 11 schools in Edmonton were surveyed. Seventy-one percent of students knew that sun exposure can cause skin cancers. Sixty-nine percent were taught by their parents about sun protection, but only 44% of students received similar instructions from teachers. Twenty percent of students indicated that they never or rarely wore sunscreen. Twenty-five percent of students had experienced painful sunburns, and only 46% were willing to use sunscreen if it were available at school. More Caucasian students reported painful or peeling sunburns in each grade level than their non-Caucasian peers (for grade 5, P = .003; for grade 7, P < .0001; for grade 9, P = .001). For all grade levels, the percentage of Caucasian students who indicated that they would not wear sunscreen when going out in the sun was greater than among their non-Caucasian peers (for grade 5, P < .001; for grade 7, P = .003; for grade 9, P = .015). Conclusions: A comprehensive and focused approach to sun-smart education is recommended for students.

scholarly journals Middle School Students’ Graph Skills and Affective States about Graphs

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 692
Author(s):  
Murat Bursal ◽  
Serap Yetiş
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Eighth Graders ◽  
Efficacy Beliefs ◽  
Affective States ◽  
School Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference

This survey design study was designed to test whether the graph skills and affective states of middle school students about graphs differ by their gender, grade level, and graph types (line, bar, and pie). The data collection instruments consisted of two scales developed by the authors and a Graph Skills Test, which consisted of graph questions from the previous TIMSS and PISA exams. Based on the findings, while middle school students were found to succeed at reading the data level graph questions, they were found to struggle in questions requiring higher graph skills, such as graph interpretation and graph construction. As for the affective states investigated, participants were found to hold high self-efficacy beliefs and positive attitudes toward graphs. No significant difference among the dependent variables (graph skills, self-efficacy beliefs about graphs, attitudes toward graphs, and graph literacy perceptions) was found by gender; however, grade level and graph type variables were found to impact students’ graph skills, graph attitudes, and personal graph literacy perceptions. Middle school students with less school experience with graphs (seventh graders) were found to hold more positive attitudes toward graphs than the eighth graders. On the contrary, eighth graders were found to perform better at graph questions requiring interpretations of the graph data. Also, participants in all subgroups were found to hold significantly higher personal graph literacy perceptions for the bar graphs, than the line graphs and pie charts. Based on the findings of the study, while middle school students were found to hold positive affective states about graphs, they were found to lack advanced graph skills. In agreement with the previous literature, it is recommended that graph literacy should become a dedicated part of the school curriculum.

scholarly journals Virtual Manipulatives: A Tool to Support Access and Achievement With Middle School Students With Disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Bouck ◽  
Leslie A. Mathews ◽  
Corey Peltier
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Middle School Students ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Middle Grades ◽  
Virtual Manipulatives ◽  
School Students ◽  
Content Areas ◽  
Mathematical Content ◽  
Concrete Manipulatives ◽  
Instructional Needs

Manipulatives offer students with disabilities access and support in classrooms. However, it is important for educators to be aware that concrete manipulatives are not the only option. Teachers serving students identified with a disability in the middle grades may consider selecting virtual manipulatives as supplement, complement, or in lieu of concrete manipulatives. In this technology in action, the authors provide information for educators about using virtual manipulatives and how they can be used across different settings, instructional needs, and mathematical content areas for middle school students with disabilities.

The SOAR Strategies for Online Academic Research

2016 ◽  
pp. 68-104
Author(s):  
Carolyn Harper Knox ◽  
Lynne Anderson-Inman ◽  
Fatima E. Terrazas-Arellanes ◽  
Emily Deanne Walden ◽  
Bridget Hildreth
Keyword(s):  
Middle School ◽  
Real World ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Students With Learning Disabilities ◽  
School Students ◽  
The Real ◽  
Instructional Needs ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The University

Students often struggle when conducting research online, an essential skill for meeting the Common Core State Standards and for success in the real world. To meet this instructional challenge, researchers at the University of Oregon's Center for Advanced Technology in Education (CATE) developed, tested, and refined nine SOAR Strategies for Online Academic Research. These strategies are aligned with well-established, research-based principles for teaching all students, with particular attention to the instructional needs of students with learning disabilities. To support effective instruction of the SOAR Strategies, researchers at CATE developed a multimedia website of instructional modules called the SOAR Toolkit. This chapter highlights the real world importance of teaching middle school students to conduct effective online research. In addition, it describes the theoretical and historical foundations of the SOAR Strategies, instructional features of the SOAR Toolkit, and research results from classroom implementations at the middle school level.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document