The primary goals of this research were to investigate the development of computational thinking (CT) skills among elementary students and to identify areas for improvement in their CT practices. Empirical investigations, accomplished in a learner-centered, problem-based learning curriculum for sixth-graders, sought to examine student proficiency…

Academic literature and extensive studies indicate that a small fraction of incoming first-year college or university students have a foundational understanding or appreciation of entrepreneurship. Even fewer have the disposition or inclination to pursue an entrepreneurial path. The purpose of this proposed study is to measure the level of…

The focus of this research project was to examine how problem- based learning (PBL) impacts students' interest and knowledge in computer science (CS) at the elementary level. By focusing on a problem that emphasizes social activism, we hypothesized that PBL CS could increase interest for students. We employed an iterative design-based research…

A vertical scale, in principle, provides a common metric across tests with differing difficulties (e.g., spanning multiple grades) so that statements of "absolute" growth can be made. This paper compares 16 states' 2007-2008 effect size growth trends on vertically scaled reading and math assessments across grades 3 to 8. Two patterns…

This dissertation explores the storytelling abilities and story repertoire of children from a sixth-grade class in Gosport, Indiana. The history and present nature of Gosport are first examined, to indicate community and social influences on the children's story repertoire. The children's repertoire, presented in an annotated collection, includes…

A MAJOR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT THAT WILL CULTIVATE THE INHERENT POTENTIAL OF THE PUPIL TO BETTER PREPARE HIM TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO HIS CULTURE, TO DEVELOP WITHIN HIM AN APPRECIATION OF CONTEMPORARY AND PAST CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY AND TO AROUSE IN HIM A DYNAMIC AWARENESS OF THE SOCIAL WORLD IN WHICH HE LIVES. THE PROGRAM…