Date of Award:

5-2009

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

School of Teacher Education and Leadership

Department name when degree awarded

Education (Curriculum and Instruction)

Committee Chair(s)

Martha T. Dever

Committee

Martha T. Dever

Committee

Michael K. Freeman

Committee

Scott L. Hunsaker

Committee

Steven O. Laing

Committee

Tom C. Peterson

Abstract

Since the inception of the most recent iteration of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has drawn widespread study and discussion. The majority of the research concerning NCLB has reported the perspective of teachers and administrative staff in public schools. The purpose of this research study was to add to the literature the voices of students. Participants in this qualitative research study were six students at Galaxy Junior High. These six students were interviewed multiple times. Based on a qualitative data analysis of their interview transcripts, and follow-up communications, four main categories of student experiences emerged: motivation in school, teaching methods, learning strategies, and connecting school and life. Participants discussed what motivates them in school, including intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivators; the method in which teachers teach; how they learn in school through the use of both bookwork and homework; and how school is the gateway to their future.

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0c362e1163c646fc4bcc848fbd4d8097

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