University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Effects of the Project Approach on Children in Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms

Beneke, Sallee J.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/18283

Description

Title
The Effects of the Project Approach on Children in Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms
Author(s)
Beneke, Sallee J.
Issue Date
2011-01-14T22:44:40Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Ostrosky, Michaelene M.
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ostrosky, Michaelene M.
Committee Member(s)
  • Fowler, Susan A.
  • Santos Gilbertz, Rosa Milagros
  • Katz, Lilian G.
Department of Study
Special Education
Discipline
Special Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • early childhood education
  • special education
  • inclusion (education)
  • coaching
  • mentors
  • preschool curriculum
  • early intervention
  • Inclusive Schools
  • project based learning
  • Active Learning
  • student projects
Abstract
Research on the impact of the Project Approach on young children with disabilities or children who are at-risk is limited. Mixed methods were used to study the impact of the Project Approach on the social interactions, challenging behaviors, and language development of eight focal children in two inclusive classrooms. Child participants were two children with IEPs and two children identified as at-risk from each class. Adult participants were six professionals who received high quality supports to implement the Project Approach. Adults were interviewed prior to the beginning of the study and again mid-, and post-implementation. Choice time observations were videotaped twice per week over 14 weeks to assess the impact of the Project Approach on play levels and MLUm. Results revealed that social interactions, challenging behaviors, vocabulary, MLUm, were positively impacted following implementation of the Project Approach. Limitations of the study and suggestions for research and practice are discussed.
Graduation Semester
2010-12
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/18283
Copyright and License Information
Copyright © 2010 Sallee Jean Beneke

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