Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University

College preparatory programs like Pitzer College/WesternU's Native Youth to College Program provide a unique experience for Native high school youth - weaving tether academics and culture for student success. However, there exists a gap in the literature on curriculum development of Native-serving programs as Mack et al, (2012), Tierney and Hagedorn (2002) and others have noticed. Using Brayboy's TribalCrit (2005) as the guiding theory, qualitative interviews of program staff and analysis of internal program documents are conducted. Nine core curricular elements-academics, culture, media studies, college preparation, health careers, intergenerational mentorship, STEM, life skills & telling your story - are found to have developed within the program, providing a blueprint which Native educators and others can use in developing curriculum for their own college preparatory programs.

<p>Utilizing action research as the methodology, this study was developed with the ultimate goal of describing and reflecting on my implementation of one aspect of the <i>Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (</i><i>CCSSM)</i> in an algebra classroom. This implementation focused on the Problem-Solving Standard of Mathematical Practice (SMP) as described in <i>CCSSM </i>(Making sense of problems and persevere in solving them). The research question that guided my work was the following: How is the <i>Common Core State Standards for Mathematics </i>(<i>CCSSM</i>) Problem-Solving Mathematical Standard enacted in an algebra class while using a <i>Standards-</i>based curriculum to teach a quadratics unit?</p> <p>I explored this by focusing on the following sub-questions:</p> <ul> <li>Q1. What opportunities to enact the components of the Problem-Solving Mathematical Standard are provided by the written curriculum? </li> <li>Q2. In what way does the teacher’s implementation of the quadratics unit diminish or enhance the opportunities to enact the components of the Problem-Solving Mathematical Standard provided by the written curriculum? </li> <li>Q3. In what ways does the teacher’s enactment of problem-solving opportunities change over the course of the unit? </li> </ul> <p>Reviewing the literature related to the relevant learning theories (sociocultural theory, the situated perspective, and communities of practice), I outlined the history of <i>CCSSM, </i>National Council of Teachers of Mathematics <i>(</i>NCTM), National Research Council (NRC), and the <i>No Child Left Behind Act of 2001</i>. Exploring the details of <i>CCSSM</i>’s Standards of Mathematical Content (SMCs) and Standards of Mathematical Practice (SMPs), I discussed problem solving, the Problem Solving Components (PSCs) listed in the Problem-Solving SMP of <i>CCSSM</i>, teaching through problem solving, and <i>Standards-</i>based curricula, such as <i>College Preparatory Mathematics (CPM)</i> which is the algebra curricula I chose for this study. </p> <p>There are many definitions of the construct problem solving. <i>CCSSM </i>describes this construct in unique ways specifically related to student engagement. The challenge for teachers is to not only make sense of <i>CCSSM</i>’s definition of problem solving and its components, but also to enact it in the classroom so that mathematical understanding is enhanced. For this reason, studies revealing how classroom teachers implemented <i>CCSSM</i>, especially in terms of problem solving, are necessary. </p> <p>The Critical Theoretic/Action Research Paradigm is often utilized by researchers trying to improve their own practice; thus, I opted for an action research methodology because it could be conducted by the practitioner. These methods of data collection and analysis were employed in order to capture the nature of changes made in the classroom involving my teaching practice. I chose action research because this study met the key tenets of research in action, namely, a collaborative partnership concurrent with action, and a problem-solving approach. </p> <p>While I knew how I wanted to change my classroom teaching style, implementing the change was harder than anticipated. From the onset, I never thought of myself as an absolute classroom authority, because I always maintained a relaxed classroom atmosphere where students were made to feel comfortable. However, this study showed me that students did view my presence as the authority and looked to me for correct answers, for approval, and/or for reassurance that they were on the right track. My own insecurities of not knowing how to respond to students in a way to get them to interact more with their group and stop looking to me for answers, while not being comfortable forcing students to talk in front of their peers, complicated this study. While it was easy to anticipate how I would handle situations in the classroom, it was hard to change in the moment. </p> <p>The research revealed the following salient findings: while the written curriculum contained numerous opportunities for students to engage with the Focal PSCs, the teacher plays a crucial role in enacting the written curriculum. Through the teacher’s enactment of this curriculum, opportunities for students to engage with the Focal<i> </i>PSCs can be taken away, enacted as written, or enhanced all by the teacher. Additionally, change was gradual and difficult due to the complexities of teaching. Reflection and constant adapting are crucial when it comes to changing my practice. </p> As a classroom teacher, I value the importance of the changes that need to be made in the classroom to align with <i>CCSSM</i>. I feel that by being both a teacher and a researcher, my work can bridge the gap between research and classroom practice.

Akademisk self-efficacy innebär att ha tilltro till ens förmågor relaterat till skolkontexten. Tidigare studier visade att tilltron är en tillgång att ha som elev. Denna tilltro är positivt relaterad till personegenskapen personlighets-härdighet som består av dimensionerna engagemang, kontroll och utmaning. Studien syftade till att se om utbildningstyp och kön kan förklara variation i akademisk self-efficacy samt se om personlighetshärdighet kan förklara ytterligare variation. Data insamlades genom att 107 gymnasieelever besvarade en enkät bestående av skalorna Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) och Academic Hardiness Scale (AHS). Analys utfördes genom korrelation, t-test och regressionsanalys. Resultatet visade och gav kunskaper om att elever med högskoleförberedande utbildning hade genomsnittligt högre nivå av akademisk self-efficacy än elever med en yrkesförberedande utbildning, samt en relation mellan personlighetshärdighet och akademisk self-efficacy. Resultatet visade inga signifikanta skillnader i akademisk self-efficacy mellan kön. De nämnda resultaten antyder vad som kan behöva åtgärdas gällande akademisk self-efficacy och personlighets-härdighets tre dimensioner.

Denna studie ämnade att undersöka hur studie- och yrkesvägledare informerar och vägleder elever på högskoleförberedande gymnasieprogram inför val av eftergymnasiala studier på högskola/universitet och yrkeshögskola. Studien bottnade i en teoretisk ansats som tar sin grund i Careershipteorin, med särskild tyngdpunkt i handlingshorisont. Sammanlagt har åtta studie- och yrkesvägledare verksamma på högskoleförberedande gymnasieprogram i olika delar av Sverige intervjuats i denna kvalitativa studie. De empiriska data som insamlats genom dessa intervjuer har analyserats genom en abduktiv kodning. Studiens resultat visade på att såväl information som vägledning anges kunna bedrivas på ett flertal olika sätt, alla med olika påverkan på eleverna och deras handlingshorisonter inför val av framtida studier på högskola/universitet och yrkeshögskola. / This study intended to investigate how study and career counselors inform and guide students in college preparatory programmes in upper secondary school before choosing post-secondary studies at colleges/universities and higher vocational education. The study was based on a theoretical approach that is based on the Careership theory, with special emphasis on horizons for action. A total of eight study and career counselors active in college preparatory programmes in various parts of Sweden have been interviewed in this qualitative study. The empirical data collected through these interviews have been analyzed through abductive coding. The results of the study showed that both information and guidance are stated to be conducted in a number of different ways, all with different effects on students and their horizons for action before choosing future studies at colleges/universities and higher vocational education.

Students enrolled in a college preparatory reading class at one particular community college were categorized based on language origin. Native English speaking students comprised one group and foreign students formed two additional groups--students whose language origin was Latin-based (i.e. Romance languages) and students whose language origin was not Latin-based (i.e. Japanese). A pretest assessment measure was used to quantify the extent that pre-existing knowledge of Latinate word parts and morphologically complex vocabulary differed among groups based on language origin. The identical instrument served as a posttest to measure the extent that direct instruction in morphological analysis resulted in change among the same groups after one semester of instruction. Two sections on both the pretest and posttest yielded a total of four distinct mean scores that formed the primary basis for comparison. Categorizing students within the college preparatory reading class based on language origin revealed distinctive strengths and weaknesses relative to group identity when learning Latin-based word parts and vocabulary. Results of a one-way fixed-factor analysis of variance, in conjunction with multiple comparison procedures, indicated that the Latin-based group performed the strongest. This group had the greatest mean score on all four measurements; however, only for the word part section of the pretest was the difference statistically significant. The non Latin-based group performed the poorest as evidenced by scoring the lowest on three of the four measures, with a statistically significant difference for the vocabulary pretest. Additionally, a disproportionately large number of students within the native English-speaking group had difficulty mastering word parts. Though the lower group mean was statistically significant for the word part section of the posttest, practical significance was not observable from the descriptive data. A follow-up frequency tabulation revealed a dichotomization within the native English speaking group between those who proceeded to master word parts and those who did not. Furthermore, results from a pretest/posttest comparison for each respective group indicated that all three groups made significant gains on both sections of the test instrument as a result of direct instruction in Latinate word parts and vocabulary. However, there was an incongruity between word part and vocabulary mastery as all three group means were markedly better on the word part section of the instrument. The results of this study suggest that college preparatory students, regardless of their language origin, enter higher education with limited knowledge of Latinate word parts and vocabulary. The results further suggest that students comprising the heterogeneously populated college preparatory reading class can profit from direct instruction in morphological analysis--regardless of language origin. Prior research has demonstrated that college-level content words tend to be morphologically complex, singular in meaning, and likely to be Latinate in origin. Reading is the salient skill utilized across the curriculum and often the primary means of content dissemination. Reading, in turn, is principally linked to the extent of one's vocabulary. Consequently, teaching morphologically complex vocabulary at the college preparatory level along with providing a working knowledge of morphemes can assist students toward college readiness.

No description available.

O aprimoramento cognitivo farmacológico refere-se ao uso de medicamentos por pessoas saudáveis para melhorar o funcionamento do cérebro e aprimorar o desempenho cognitivo. Um dos medicamentos mais utilizados no Brasil com esta finalidade é o cloridrato de metilfenidato, comercializado com o nome de Ritalina ou Concerta. Ele tem sido utilizado por universitários, empresários e profissionais da saúde que visam aumentar a capacidade produtiva para cumprir prazos e metas. Considerando que esta prática está se disseminando na sociedade e chegando aos alunos do ensino médio, optou-se por fazer um estudo cujo objetivo foi caracterizar a percepção de alunos do 3º ano do ensino médio de escolas públicas, privadas e profissionalizantes e de cursinhos públicos e privados das cidades de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) e São Paulo (SP), sobre o uso de medicamentos para aprimoramento cognitivo, buscando identificar condições preditoras ao uso dessas substâncias. Para atingir tal objetivo o procedimento de coleta de dados foi composto de duas etapas: a primeira desenvolveu-se por meio de um estudo quali-quantitativo, com aplicação de questionários, que buscou evidenciar um panorama geral sobre o tema, sendo realizada com 534 sujeitos oriundos do 3º ano do ensino médio de escolas públicas, privadas e profissionalizantes e de cursinhos públicos e privados das cidades de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) e São Paulo (SP). A partir dos dados colhidos foi realizada uma segunda etapa com 13 alunos da escola profissionalizante da cidade de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), com abordagem qualitativa e realização de grupo focal, que buscou aprofundar o entendimento dessas questões. No tratamento de dados da primeira etapa utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico Qui-quadrado, e na segunda etapa a Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram que os alunos querem ingressar no ensino superior, mais do que outras opções, consideram esta a principal função da escola e se consideram preparados para tal. Trabalhar não é seu desejo imediato e por isso não consideram importante que a escola os prepare para tanto. A compreensão de fundamentos científico-tecnológicos e o aprimoramento como pessoa humana foram considerados aspectos importantes. Medicamentos para aprimoramento foram vistos como algo positivo que poderia ser usado às vésperas do vestibular; para ajudar nos momentos de pressão por parte dos pais e da escola, em que se sentem sobrecarregados pelas suas obrigações; para conseguir realizar múltiplas atividades; para garantir energia e concentração. Verificou-se ainda que dispor de informações sobre medicamentos e conhecer usuários predispõe a um possível uso. A possibilidade de consumir os medicamentos está presente em todas as cidades analisadas e em todas as instituições. Quando tiveram a oportunidade de pensar melhor sobre o tema e falar sobre ele nos grupos focais, os alunos conseguiram perceber os fatores envolvidos na adesão ao uso de substâncias, e o que leva os estudantes a consumi-las. Os dados levantados evidenciaram que os participantes se mostraram curiosos em relação a uma substância ainda desconhecida para muitos, mas que em suas fantasias pode ser interessante para ajudar a atingir seus objetivos. Conclui-se que este é um tema relevante e preocupante; por isso, sua discussão em diferentes meios deve ser aprofundada / Pharmacological cognitive enhancement refers to the use of drugs by healthy individuals aiming at brain functioning improvement and cognitive performance enhancement. One of the widely used drugs in Brazil with these aims is methylphenidate hydrochloride, marketed under the name of Ritalina or Concerta. It has been used by college students, businessmen and health professionals aiming at enhancing their productive capacity to meet deadlines and goals. Considering the dissemination of this practice reaching high school students, this study was held aiming at characterizing the perception of high-school final-year students from public, private and vocational schools and public and private pre-college preparatory courses in the cities of Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) and São Paulo (SP) on the use of drugs for cognitive enhancement, searching to identify predictive conditions to the use of such substances. For such, the procedure for data collection comprised two stages: the first was developed through a quali-quantitative study, searching to demonstrate a general panorama on the theme, with questionnaires applied to 534 individuals in the final year of high school in public, private and vocational schools and public and private pre-college preparatory courses in the cities of Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) and São Paulo (SP). A second stage was held using the collected data for a qualitative approach and focus group with thirteen students from the vocational school in Juazeiro do Norte (CE), searching to deeply comprehend such issues. For data processing, non-parametric chi-square test was used in the first stage, and Content Analysis in the second one. Results indicated that the students wish to apply for university education, more than other options, consider this the main function of the school, and consider themselves prepared for this goal. Working is not their immediate wish and, for this reason, they do not deem important that the schools provide them with training for it. Comprehension of scientific-technological fundamentals and their enhancement as human beings were considered as important aspects. Enhancement drugs were deemed something positive that could be used on the eve of entrance examinations; to help in moments of pressure from parents and school when they feel overwhelmed by their duties; to be able to perform multiple activities; to ensure energy and focus. It was verified that they are predisposed to a possible use when provided with information and acquainted to other users. The possibility to consume such medicines is present in all analyzed cities and institutions. When faced with the opportunity to think more on the theme and talk about it in focus groups, students could perceive the factors involved in the adhesion to the use of substances and what drives them to its consumption. Collected data revealed that the participants were curious about a substance yet unknown to many of them, but imagined that it might be interesting to use it to reach their goals. It is concluded that the theme is relevant and worrisome; for this reason, the discussion about it in different backgrounds must be deepened

O aprimoramento cognitivo farmacológico refere-se ao uso de medicamentos por pessoas saudáveis para melhorar o funcionamento do cérebro e aprimorar o desempenho cognitivo. Um dos medicamentos mais utilizados no Brasil com esta finalidade é o cloridrato de metilfenidato, comercializado com o nome de Ritalina ou Concerta. Ele tem sido utilizado por universitários, empresários e profissionais da saúde que visam aumentar a capacidade produtiva para cumprir prazos e metas. Considerando que esta prática está se disseminando na sociedade e chegando aos alunos do ensino médio, optou-se por fazer um estudo cujo objetivo foi caracterizar a percepção de alunos do 3º ano do ensino médio de escolas públicas, privadas e profissionalizantes e de cursinhos públicos e privados das cidades de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) e São Paulo (SP), sobre o uso de medicamentos para aprimoramento cognitivo, buscando identificar condições preditoras ao uso dessas substâncias. Para atingir tal objetivo o procedimento de coleta de dados foi composto de duas etapas: a primeira desenvolveu-se por meio de um estudo quali-quantitativo, com aplicação de questionários, que buscou evidenciar um panorama geral sobre o tema, sendo realizada com 534 sujeitos oriundos do 3º ano do ensino médio de escolas públicas, privadas e profissionalizantes e de cursinhos públicos e privados das cidades de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) e São Paulo (SP). A partir dos dados colhidos foi realizada uma segunda etapa com 13 alunos da escola profissionalizante da cidade de Juazeiro do Norte (CE), com abordagem qualitativa e realização de grupo focal, que buscou aprofundar o entendimento dessas questões. No tratamento de dados da primeira etapa utilizou-se o teste não paramétrico Qui-quadrado, e na segunda etapa a Análise de Conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram que os alunos querem ingressar no ensino superior, mais do que outras opções, consideram esta a principal função da escola e se consideram preparados para tal. Trabalhar não é seu desejo imediato e por isso não consideram importante que a escola os prepare para tanto. A compreensão de fundamentos científico-tecnológicos e o aprimoramento como pessoa humana foram considerados aspectos importantes. Medicamentos para aprimoramento foram vistos como algo positivo que poderia ser usado às vésperas do vestibular; para ajudar nos momentos de pressão por parte dos pais e da escola, em que se sentem sobrecarregados pelas suas obrigações; para conseguir realizar múltiplas atividades; para garantir energia e concentração. Verificou-se ainda que dispor de informações sobre medicamentos e conhecer usuários predispõe a um possível uso. A possibilidade de consumir os medicamentos está presente em todas as cidades analisadas e em todas as instituições. Quando tiveram a oportunidade de pensar melhor sobre o tema e falar sobre ele nos grupos focais, os alunos conseguiram perceber os fatores envolvidos na adesão ao uso de substâncias, e o que leva os estudantes a consumi-las. Os dados levantados evidenciaram que os participantes se mostraram curiosos em relação a uma substância ainda desconhecida para muitos, mas que em suas fantasias pode ser interessante para ajudar a atingir seus objetivos. Conclui-se que este é um tema relevante e preocupante; por isso, sua discussão em diferentes meios deve ser aprofundada / Pharmacological cognitive enhancement refers to the use of drugs by healthy individuals aiming at brain functioning improvement and cognitive performance enhancement. One of the widely used drugs in Brazil with these aims is methylphenidate hydrochloride, marketed under the name of Ritalina or Concerta. It has been used by college students, businessmen and health professionals aiming at enhancing their productive capacity to meet deadlines and goals. Considering the dissemination of this practice reaching high school students, this study was held aiming at characterizing the perception of high-school final-year students from public, private and vocational schools and public and private pre-college preparatory courses in the cities of Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) and São Paulo (SP) on the use of drugs for cognitive enhancement, searching to identify predictive conditions to the use of such substances. For such, the procedure for data collection comprised two stages: the first was developed through a quali-quantitative study, searching to demonstrate a general panorama on the theme, with questionnaires applied to 534 individuals in the final year of high school in public, private and vocational schools and public and private pre-college preparatory courses in the cities of Juazeiro do Norte (CE), Fortaleza (CE) and São Paulo (SP). A second stage was held using the collected data for a qualitative approach and focus group with thirteen students from the vocational school in Juazeiro do Norte (CE), searching to deeply comprehend such issues. For data processing, non-parametric chi-square test was used in the first stage, and Content Analysis in the second one. Results indicated that the students wish to apply for university education, more than other options, consider this the main function of the school, and consider themselves prepared for this goal. Working is not their immediate wish and, for this reason, they do not deem important that the schools provide them with training for it. Comprehension of scientific-technological fundamentals and their enhancement as human beings were considered as important aspects. Enhancement drugs were deemed something positive that could be used on the eve of entrance examinations; to help in moments of pressure from parents and school when they feel overwhelmed by their duties; to be able to perform multiple activities; to ensure energy and focus. It was verified that they are predisposed to a possible use when provided with information and acquainted to other users. The possibility to consume such medicines is present in all analyzed cities and institutions. When faced with the opportunity to think more on the theme and talk about it in focus groups, students could perceive the factors involved in the adhesion to the use of substances and what drives them to its consumption. Collected data revealed that the participants were curious about a substance yet unknown to many of them, but imagined that it might be interesting to use it to reach their goals. It is concluded that the theme is relevant and worrisome; for this reason, the discussion about it in different backgrounds must be deepened

I denna uppsats analyseras tre läromedel för kursen svenska 1. Tanken bakom analyserna är att se efter huruvida man gör nivåskillnader i elevers läsförmåga och läsförståelse beroende på om de går yrkesförberedande program eller högskoleförberedande program på gymnasiet, samt om man kan se vilka didaktiska inslag som finns med för att stimulera elevernas inre motivation. Det visar sig att det är mycket stor skillnad i hur många olika skönlitterära texter som eleverna förväntas läsa beroende på yrkes eller högskoleförberedande program samt att nivåskillnaden i förväntad analysförmåga är stor i uppgifterna som är kopplade till det lästa. Detta är något man borde reagera kraftigare på med tanke på att eleverna läser samma kurs, men beroende på vilket läromedel de får utefter vilket program de går utmanas de på helt olika nivåer. Detta innebär att två tonåringar som läser samma kurs inte kommer att varken utmanas eller få chansen till att utveckla sina kunskaper i samma utsträckning. / In this essay, three teaching materials are analyzed for the course Swedish 1. The idea behind the analyzes is to look at whether you make differences in students' reading ability and reading comprehension depending on whether they attend vocational programs or college preparatory programs in high school, and if you can see what didactic elements are available to stimulate students' inner motivation. It turns out that there is a very big difference in how many different fiction texts the students are expected to read depending on the vocational or university preparatory program and that the level difference in expected analytical ability is large in the tasks that are linked to what is read. This is something you should react more strongly to given that the students read the same course, but depending on what teaching material they receive according to which program they go to, they are challenged at completely different levels. This means that two teenagers who take the same course will not be challenged or given the chance to develop their knowledge to the same extent.