Completed Master's Projects

The culminating activity for master's students provides them the opportunity to reflect upon their university learning by doing an individual project which demonstrates their ability to innovate. The table below shows project titles completed by students in the program.

You may see the full text of most projects finished after June 2002 by clicking on the link from the title of the project.  For the projects starting in 2003, you will be able to download a .doc or an .rtf (rich text format) file. The original projects will have slightly different pagination.

This page last revised March 2007

Author Title Year
Ahearn, Karen  Using Trade Books to Improve Reading Atttitudes and Reading Comprehension in a Fifth Grade Classroom  1993 
Allen, Tim Using Total Class Collaboration to Enhance Understanding & Appreciation of Psychology in a Secondary Classroom 2001
Appold, Paul C.  Learning About Native Americans in a Self-Contained Seventh Grade Classroom  1995 
Aren, James Using Timelines to Teach 20th Century History in a Suburban Middle School 2006
Baker, David  Television: What Will Students Do Without It?  1993 
Beacome, Sean Teaching a High School Social Studies Elective Course Without a Textbook 2005
Benz, Brian  Social Studies Journal Writing in an Eighth Grade, Suburban, Middle School  1994
Biolchino, Mark W. Using Living History Techniques to Improve Academic Ach. & Enjoyment of Am. History in a 10th Grade Classroom 2000
Blair, Beverly
Using Trade Books in an 8th Grade Social Studies Classroom to Teach About the Civil War 2004
Bosch, Bridget Using a Constructivist Simulation to Increase Student Learning & Enjoyment in a 10th Grade World History Class 2005
Boyer, William
Teaching the First Ammendment Right to Protest
2005
Brinker, Kathleen
Vietnam Curriculum Guide
2007
Brown, Erica
Why Travel? A WebQuest for High School Students
2007
Brandon, Shelly L.  Integrating Trade Books & Literature in a 7th Grade Social Studies Classroom  1997 
Burke, Ann  Against All Odds: Notable Women in American History rom the Pre Colonial Period to Vietnam  1998 
Burson, Eric S.  Using Cooperative Learning to Improve Academic Achievement and Enjoyment of World Geography in a Seventh Grade Suburban Classroom  1994 
Bussineau, Tim
Prepared 3 Mini-Units for Poll Questions for the Michigan House Civics Commission for Fall 2004
2004
Candela, Michael
Teaching The Civil Rights Movement to 9th Graders Using Multimedia
2006
Cannon, Barry Using Teacher Oral Reading to Improve Ninth Grade Student Attendance, Vocabulary & Comprehension in an Urban High School 2004
Carleton, Jessica Women in Politics: A WebQuest for U.S. Government 2006
Carpenter, Jason
Using Problem Based Learning to Improve the Teaching of the Legislative Branch in an American Government Class
2006
Cato, Nicole R. The Use of Cooperative Learning: Results in Behavioral & Academic Achievement in a Middle School Social Studies Class 2002
Clark, Ryan Using Newspapers and Nightly News Broadcasts in the American History Classroom 2005
Coble, Cynthia  The Effect of Role-Play in Teaching Social Studies in an Urban, Fifth Grade Classroom  1993
Codispoti, Sandra Using Newspapers in a Middle School Classroom to Increase Reading Comprehension of Expository Texts & Reading Interest 2001
Conway, Lloyd Using Shakespeare to Teach World History to High School Students 1999
Costa, Anthony Arts Integration in the Social Studies Classroom 2005
Crombez, Anne Galileo on Trial: A WebQuest for Middle School Social Studies 2006
Czont, Don
A WebQuest investigating the American Revolution
2005
Dallas, Brian A. Using Non-Traditional Techniques to Improve Academic Achievement & Enjoyment in a Tenth Grade, Suburban Classroom 1998
Davidson, John C. The Use of Computer Assisted Instruction with  Alternative High School Students in a Social Studies Class 1999
Dawood, Patrick J.  Progressive Education vs Traditional Education  1995 
Dawood, Ray
Using Instructional Games to Increase Student Learning and Enjoyment in a High School Government Class
2007
Denler, Heidi
Exploring Core Democratic Values: A WebQuest for Fifth Grade 2007
Diegel, Mona Ann
Using Picture Books & Read-Alouds to Enhance the Study of Geography in a Middle School Social Studies Classroom
2003
DeWitt, Christopher Monastic Thinkers and Character Development 2005
Drissman, Shira A. Teaching the 1960s Through Star Treck: The Original Series 2000
Durecka, Robert W. The Use of Cooperative Student Teacher Planning to Increase Enjoyment of Social Studies & Improve Attendance in a Secondary Classroom 1999
Ellison, F.A. Yvonne  Using Cooperative Learning Techniques to Maximize Leaning Time in Teaching Computer Applications Skills to Urban Minority High School Students  1994 
Fielding, Rose Marie  The Environmental Effects of War and the Military: A Teacher's Resource  1998 
Feldman, James E. Allowing Student Curricular Choices & Its Effect on Interest and Achievement in Social Studies in a Suburban Middle School 2004
Flagg, Samuel III  The Underground Railroad & the Michigan Connection  1997 
Fuller, Diane G. The First Ammendment: A Unit Plan for Secondary Students 2003
Gabel, Tim  Using Current Events in a Secondary Social Studies Classroom  1998 
Gaitley, David
Designing an Issue Centered History Unit
2007
Gavrilovich, Katherine  An Urban Teacher Keeps Daily Logs Concerning Reading Aloud and the Literate-Environment-Approach to Reading Readiness  1993 
Gazzeney, Neal G. Creating Strong Voters: A Secondary Election Unit Based on the 2000 Presidential Election 2001
Geib, Jennifer Taiwan: An introduction to the Island (a unit for secondary social studies) 2004
Gilbert, Marke D.  Effects of Writing as a Teaching Tool on the Acheievement of US History Students  1998 
Gilleran, Dan Teaching Tolerance in a Suburban Public High School 2002
Girdwood, John Democracy’s Dialogue 2005
Gowan, Gary Allen  Creating Historical Connectons: Incorporating Historical Poetry into American History Courses  1995 
Greening, Michael P. Teaching Historiography in Advanced Placement Courses 2003
Hackett, Pamela  The Effects of Peer Tutoring on First Grade Reading Achievement  1994 
Haddad, Sam
Results of Playing The game of Social Studies Knowledge in an Eighth Grade Classroom
2003
Harris, Kevin  Correctional Education: the Behind the Wall Alternative  1994 
Harwood, Patrick
Roman Architecture WebQuest
2008
Hicks, Patrick J.  The Use of Cooperative Learning to Improve Academic Achievement & Enjoyment in a Secondary Classroom  1998 
Harper, Gary T.
Use of Portfolios in Accounting to Improve Instruction
2003
Hicks, Patrick  The Use of Cooperative Learning to Improve Academic Achievement & Enjoyment of Social Studies in a Secondary Classroom  1998 
Jackson, Robert
Using Constructivist Methods to Teach Social Studies to Special Education Students
2006
James, William Increasing Ninth Grade Economics Knowledge and Enjoyment Through the Use of a Simulation 2005
Johnson, Cindianne Using Music to Teach a Unit on the Civil War 2006
Johnson, Karen  Sexual Stereotyping in the Schools  1993 
Johnstone, Mary Beginning & Developing Cooperative Learning Pairs in a Urban First Grade Classroom  1992 
Jones, Brenda  Benefits of Breakfast in School-Aged Children In an urban, Fifth Grade Classroom  1993 
Jordan, Jane M. Using Story-Living to Incorporate Multiple Intelligence  Theory in an Alternative Education High School 1999
Jordan, Samantha Using Primary Sources to Improve Academic Performance & Understanding of the Philosophy of History in an 11th Grade Classroom 2001
Kaspari, Jeff
Using a World History Course to Increase Student Knowledge of American Democratic Principles and Improve Student Attitudes Toward Civic Participation
2007
Killom, Roger
Passing It On: Using a Multimedia Approach to teaching Global Warming & Conservation in an Urban High School, Special Education, Global Issues Classroom
2008
Koviak, Lucille  Using Journal Writing to Improve Ninth Grade Learning & Behavior in a Suburban, Upper Middle Class High School  1995 
Knobelsdorf, Celia
Taking to the Skies: A WebQuest on the History of Aviation
2007
Kohl, Tara
Teaching Greek Mythology Through the Arts
2007
Kraiza, Dan Localizing the Curriculum in an Urban, Middle School Economics Class 2005
Kubicek, Mary K. Peer Response Groups in the Writing Curriculum in an Urban High School English Class  1996 
LaFrance, Michael  Changing Teaching Methods of Reading to Literature Based approaches in an Eighth Grade Urban Reading Classroom  1992 
Lacorato, Sam Using Multiple Intelligence Learning Centers to Enhance Student Performance in a High School Psychology Classroom 2002
Lang, Scott A. Integrating literature & Technology into a Curriculum Unit to Teach the Holocaust in a Secondary School History Class 2001
Langlois, Susanne L.  Using Children's Literature to Teach Geography in the Elementary Classroom  1997
Lee, James Robert Teacher's Resource Guide: Including Gays & Lesbians into the Secondary School Curriculum  2000
Lee, Karen  Developmentally Appropriate Mathematics Instructions in a First Grade, Urban Classroom  1992
Lindholm, Vicki Using Art in High School Philosophy Classes to Teach Social, Cultural, Historical And Philosophical Ideas From The Ancient Period To The Early 1900’s 2005
Lomas, Richard Using Poetry in a Social Studies Classroom to Teach About the Experiences of War 2003
LoVasco, Andrea M.   Communication Patterns of Spanish Students in an English-speaking Current Events Class 2003
Maguire, Nadia
The Race to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, a WebQuest for High School Government
2006
Marshall, Chad
Television:  What will 9th Grade Students Do Without It?
2008
Mathews, Lauren
Connecting the Past to the Present: Using Current Events in an American History Classroom
2007
Martini, Linda Using Debate as a Teaching Tool to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills in the Social Studies Classroom 2005
Maurer, Anne  Communicating Whole Language Philosophy with Parents of Students in a Third Grade Classroom  1993 
Mayberry, John H. Using Elements of Hip-Hop Culture to Increase Student Interest & Learning in American Government 2004
McCullough, D. Michael  A Study of a Conflict Resolution Program for At-Risk and Highly Motivated High School Students  1997 
 McMichael, Craig J. Constructing an E-Textbook for High School Civics Classrooms
2008
Miller, Kimberly Using Budgeting to Teach Real Living Skills in a 7th Grade Life Skills Classroom 2005
Miller, Kenneth A.  Building Student Self-Esteem in a Social Studies Classroom  1993 
Mitchell, David Using WebQuests as a Guide & Teaching the Use of Search Engines in an 8th Grade Middle School Classroom to Improve Student Learning & Increase Student Comfort Using the Internet 2003
Mold, Philip M. An American History Unit for the Years 1910-1950, including the Social, Economic, Political & Cultural Effects of WWI & WWII 2003
Morgan, Glenn
Exploring the Black Experience in America Through Historical Fiction: An Interdisciplinary Social Studies Course
2007
Munck, Stephanie
Using Newspapers to Teach American History
2007
Murray, Laura Using Visual & Auditory Stimuli to Increase Learning & Interest in U.S. History 1997
Neddermeyer, Charles LGBTQ Teaching Resources Website 2005
Nick, Monica Interactive Upper Elementary Social Studies Lessons & Activities 2004
Osborn, Judith A.  A Study of a Conflict Resolution Program for At Risk and Highly Motivated High School Students  1995
O'Sullivan, James  The Island Microcosom: A Social Studies Unit on Madagascar  1995 
Pavloff, Louis J. The Mass Media's Impact on White Students of Privilege 2003 
Petelle, Phillip
Teaching a History Unit on Reconstruction to High School Students: A Comparison of Traditional Lecture and Constructivist Teaching Through Guided Internet Study
2007
Phillips, Richard
Using Collaborative Learning Groups to Enhance Understanding and Appreciation of Social Studies in a Secondary Classroom
2007
Pribik, Daryl J.  A Study of Gender Differences in Map Skills in an Urban, Secondary Social Studies Classroom  1995
Queen, Gregory Using Marx as the Fountainhead in Secondary Social Studies Curriculum Organization: A Rationale 2002
Radlick-Uram, Janice
Worked with the Civic Action Project & Designed Their WebQuest
2008
Rama, Kristie L.
Influence of Cooperative Learning on Academic Performance & Students' Perception of Educational Benefits of Peer Collaboration in a Suburban Global Studies Class
2003
Register, Craig
Teaching About Third Party Candidates
2007
Rennell, Michael
The Progressive Era & The Election of 1912: A WebQuest
2007
Robbins, Christina  Cooperative Learning Strategies for the Foreign Language Classroom  1992 
Robinson, Brandon B.  A Study of Two Models of Classroom Management  1993 
Roeder, Ben
The Use of Student Portfolios to Teach the Bill of Rights
2007
Ross, Cherilyn
Designed & Built the WSU Social Studies Web Page
1997
Saulsberry, Akua
Using Newspapers & TV News in a 7th Grade Social Studies Classroom to increase Knowledge of the World
2007
Sloan, Philip
Writing in the Social Studies Classroom and Across the Curriculum
2005
Schlack, Jamie
National Board Certification Submission
2007
Schutt, Robert C.  Boundries of Geographic Knowledge in Urban Secondary Schools  1996 
Sklut, Courtney Learning about the Vietnam War from a Textbook and Videos in an Eleventh Grade American History Class 2005
Smith, Dana R.  Using Culturally Specific Teaching Materials to Improve the Acheivement of Native American Students  1997 
Smith, Shawn R. Teaching About the One Room Schoolhouse 2000
Snyder, Alec L. Citizenship Education for Detroit Area Immigrants Seeking Naturalization 2002
Socha, James Teaching Strategies & Results of Teaching About Genocide in a Ninth Grade Suburban High School Classroom 2002
Stacy, Kim R.  The 84th Regiment of Foot, Royal Highland Emigrants: A Resource for Living History  1996
Stearns, James Using Simulations to Teach Library Skills in a Suburban Elementary School 2004
Stewart, Anthony L.
Using Mural Projects to Enhance Performance in a High School U.S. History Class
2004
Stewart, Victoria  Using an Interdisciplinary Approach: Teaching Advanced Placement European History & English in a Suburban, 10th Grade Classroom  1994 
Terry, Alonzo
A WebQuest: Who Wants to Be the Mayor of Detroit?
2006
Thebert, Paul A.
Using the Urban Agenda to Increase Civics Involvement & Literacy in a Middle School Social Studies Classroom
2004
Thompson, Sandra K.  The Use of Cultural Awareness to Increase Self-Esteem in Black, Mentally Impaired, Elementary-Age Children  1993 
Townsend, Robert A.  Using Novels In A Sociology Classroom to Improve Student Comprehension  2003
Trexler, Mark A Secondary Education Humanities Curriculum 2003
Tutt, Charles  Creating A School-Wide Student Centered Learning Community  1994
Vennard, Alexis My Trip Around the World: A 10 Week Sixth Grade World Language Rotation Class 2002
Wade, Anne M An Overseas Trip Proposal for a High School World History Class 2001
Washburne, Crosby  An Alternative Midterm Assessment for High School Geography Classes  1997 
Washington, Maurice  Teaching Peaceful Resolution to a Select Group of Eighth Graders in an Urban Middle School  1994 
Wichers, William
Real Science, Real People: A WebQuest
2007
Williams, Edna Teaching Liberian History and Culture Appreciation Utilizing the Internet in an Inner City High School 2005
Williams, Willie A.  Former Open Education Students Look at their Open Education Experience  1998 
Wyble, Laura A Case Study of a Michigan Charter School: The da Vinci Institute 1999
Zielinski, Jason
Using SimCity 3000 to Enhance Learning in a 7th Grade Social Studies Classroom
2004
Zockheem, Diedra  Motivating Sixth Grade Urban Students to Read through Cooperative Grouping and Literature Based Instruction  1992 

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