Past Projects
Fall 2017
Using Verbal/Nonverbal Cues to Increase Hand Raising in Preschool Children During Whole Group Instruction
Kelleigh Berryhill, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
Learning to follow classroom rues is an important skill for learning. The purpose of this study was examining the effectiveness of verbal/nonverbal cues on hand raising during while group instruction. Full Abstract
Using Video Self-Reflection
Michelle Grantham-Caston, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
Video self-reflection has been documented in the literature as a mechanism for teaching new skills. The purpose of the present was to provide teachers with a mechanism for structured self-study via video observations of their teaching using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System. Full Abstract
Using Teacher Prompts to Increase Leadership Skills in Preschool Children
Sarah West, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
The purpose of the present study was to determine if teacher prompting could increase the frequency of leadership behaviors exhibited by preschool children during play and if teachers could increase their level of prompting of leadership behaviors. Full Abstract
Increasing Efficiency of Transition Time Using a Social Story with Preschool Children
Kathleen Nguyen, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
Social stories are age appropriate, short stories that explain a social situation. These stories describe situations to children in a manner easy for them to comprehend. The purpose of this study was to observe the effectiveness of social stories to increase efficiency of transition time. Full Abstract
Implementation of a Sensorimotor Intervention to Promote Positive Behavior during Whole-Group Instruction
Hayden Lyons, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
The purpose of the proposed study was to determine the effects of sensory activities prior to whole-group activities on child attention during whole-group instructional times in a pre-school classroom. Full Abstract
Measure of the Effects of Least to Most Prompt on Child Compliance During Whole Group
Kelsey Brown, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
Prompt Strategies have been used to increase the compliance of preschool-aged children to teacher directives. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of the least to most prompt hierarchy on child compliance during whole group. Full Abstract
The Impact of Responsive Partnership Strategies on the Satisfaction of Co-Teaching Relationships in Early Childhood
Caroline Hulin, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
Lack of coordinated activities between two adults in the classroom can lead to disjointed instruction for young children and teacher stress. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a Responsive Partnership Strategies intervention on teacher satisfaction with their co-teaching relationship. Full Abstract
The Impact of Mindfulness Practices on Classroom Climate and Perceived Teacher Stress
Erin Hebert, advisor Dr. DiCarlo
The purpose of this research study was to assess whether mindfulness practices can increase positive classroom climate and decrease perceived stress in early childhood teachers.
The Development of Rule-Governed Pro-Social Behavior in Young Children
The purpose of this study was to examine the process by which young children develop rule-governed behavior, specifically applied to helping behavior. Full Abstract
Establishing Classification Reasoning in Young Children
This study examines the impact of learning experiences in the emergence of hierarchal reasoning in young children. This study was the activity participants wait for in the rule governed behavior study (above). Full Abstract
Primary researchers: Dr. Noell, Dr. Donaldson, and Dr. Gansle
Spring 2017
Effects of Music on the Time to Quiet Rest
The purpose of this research project is to examine the effects of ambient music on the amount of time it takes preschool children to achieve a quiet resting state at naptime. Results will contribute to a deeper understanding of how music may be used to facilitate naptime in preschool classrooms.
Full Abstract: A Descriptive Study of the Use of Music During Naptime in Childcare Centers in Louisiana
Full Abstract: The Effects of a Bestselling Children’s Naptime Recording on the Time to Rest Among Preschool Children Enrolled in a University Child Care Center
Primary researcher: Dr. Daniel Isbell
Jason P. Bowers, Joseph J. Cassellberry, Daniel Isbell, Julius Kyakuwa, Yining Li, Emily M. Mercado & Elizabeth M. Wallace (2019). A Descriptive Study of the Use of Music During Naptime in Louisiana Child Care Centers, Journal of Research in Childhood Education,33:2, 212-224, DOI: 10.1080/02568543.2019.1577770