Relationship Between Active Learning Methodologies And Community College Students' Stem Course Grades,
2017
Walden University
Relationship Between Active Learning Methodologies And Community College Students' Stem Course Grades, Cherish Christina Lesko
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Active learning methodologies (ALM) are associated with student success, but little research on this topic has been pursued at the community college level. At a local community college, students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses exhibited lower than average grades. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of ALM predicted STEM course grades while controlling for academic discipline, course level, and class size. The theoretical framework was Vygotsky's social constructivism. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were performed on data collected through an anonymous survey of 74 instructors of 272 courses during the 2016 …
The Effect Of Ged Candidate Race And Motivation Factors On Exam Outcomes,
2017
Walden University
The Effect Of Ged Candidate Race And Motivation Factors On Exam Outcomes, Kathi L. Middleton
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Earning a General Educational Development (GED) credential can have positive results in a student's life including higher wages and better job opportunities. The 2014 version of the GED exam changed the format from a paper-based test to a computer-based test. This change coincided with a 35% decline in the pass rate indicating not all students are prepared to pass the new computer-based test (CBT). The purpose of this quantitative study was to evaluate the influence of a candidate's race and reason for taking the exam on the pass or fail outcome of the new computer-based GED exam. The study used …
The Gap Between Engineering Education And Postgraduate Preparedness,
2017
Walden University
The Gap Between Engineering Education And Postgraduate Preparedness, Abdulla Farah Warsame
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Engineering students entering the workforce often struggle to meet the competency expectations of their employers. Guided by constructivist theory, the purpose of this case study was to understand engineers' experiences of engineering education, deficiencies in practical skills, and the self-learning methods they employed to advance their technical and professional competencies. Working engineers were asked about their experiences overcoming practical skill deficiencies and bridging the gap between education and practice. Interviews with 15 chemical, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers were analyzed by coding for common statements and identifying themes. Firsthand experiences of the participants captured 3 themes: overall perceptions of engineering …
History Teachers' Perspectives Of Time Constraints, Engagement, And Relevance In The Curriculum,
2017
Walden University
History Teachers' Perspectives Of Time Constraints, Engagement, And Relevance In The Curriculum, Christy Mimie Davis
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Over the last 20 years, many state school administrators have reduced social studies instructional time in favor of time dedicated to reading or math skills due to the pressure of standardized testing. The purpose of this qualitative case study, which was based on constructivist theories about learning and schema theory, was to analyze teachers' perspectives on teaching history lessons, in terms of engagement and relevance, while working within new time constraints. Purposeful sampling was used to select 6 teachers for interviews; all had experience teaching social studies courses at the upper elementary and middle levels in a public school district …
Relationship Between Educational Leisure Motivation And Recovery From Mental Illness Among Members Of Clubhouse International,
2017
Walden University
Relationship Between Educational Leisure Motivation And Recovery From Mental Illness Among Members Of Clubhouse International, Dianna Rene Pearce
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) exhibit low motivation to participate in educational leisure activities at Clubhouses accredited by Clubhouse International (CI). This correlational study examined the relationship between each of 4 motives, intellectual, social, competence-mastery, and stimulus-avoidance, to engage in leisure activities, and the perception of recovery from SMI. Knowles's theory of andragogy supported the concept of informal self-directed learning, which occurs with leisure activities. Literature indicates that participating in leisure activities such as those offered at Clubhouses aids in the recovery from SMI. Quantitative data were collected from a convenience sample of 75 individuals at 4 CI clubhouses …
College Instructors' Experiences Transitioning To Inverted Classroom Instruction,
2017
Walden University
College Instructors' Experiences Transitioning To Inverted Classroom Instruction, Glenda Maria Brown
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Lecture methods in higher education continue to be the most often used form of lesson delivery, although they seem to be less effective in promoting adult students' learning and engagement. Many higher education instructors have incorporated inverted classroom (IC) methods to increase student engagement and learning. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to gain an understanding of college instructors' decision-making processes and experiences transitioning from lecture-based instruction to IC and the factors attributed to that transition. Knowles's andragogy theory, Kolb's experiential learning theory, and Rogers's diffusion of innovations provided the conceptual framework for the study. Eight college-level instructors …
Music Teachers' Perceptions Of Targeted Professional Development,
2017
Walden University
Music Teachers' Perceptions Of Targeted Professional Development, Julie Meadows
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The fundamental purpose of teacher professional development programs is to improve instructional effectiveness and increase student learning. However, the target district offered no programs that focused on helping teachers develop strategies to meet state standards in music education. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate elementary and middle school music educators' perceptions regarding the need for targeted professional development programs. Self-determination theory served as the foundation for this study. Research questions concerned participants' views of the impact of district professional development programs on their competency in enhancing students' musical skills and their decision-making and connectedness with other …
Women In Stem: The Effect Of Undergraduate Research On Persistence,
2017
Walden University
Women In Stem: The Effect Of Undergraduate Research On Persistence, Jodi Christine Wilker
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers constitutes a major issue in postsecondary science education. Perseverance of women in STEM is linked to a strong science identity. Experiential learning activities, such as undergraduate research, increase science identity and thus should help keep women in STEM. Most studies on research program development are from 4-year institutions, yet many women start at community colleges. The goal of this study was to fill this gap. Science identity and experiential learning theories provided the framework for this case study at a local institution (LECC). Semistructured interviews determined college science …
New Teacher Mentees' Perceptions Of Mentorship As An Assimilation Strategy,
2017
Walden University
New Teacher Mentees' Perceptions Of Mentorship As An Assimilation Strategy, Konstance Laverne Grimble
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Attrition among new teachers with fewer than 5 years of experience was high in an urban high school in Texas. The high attrition rate is a problem for students, because high teacher turnover can result in teachers with low expertise. In this study, the conceptual framework used was Hord's professional learning community (PLC) model, which emphasizes trust and a utilization of a cycle of inquiry among colleagues to prepare lessons and assessments that affect student achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine new high school teachers' perceptions of assimilation techniques used by their mentors in the new teacher …
Faculty Perspectives On Effective Integration Of Simulation Into A Baccalaureate Nursing Curriculum,
2017
Walden University
Faculty Perspectives On Effective Integration Of Simulation Into A Baccalaureate Nursing Curriculum, Linda Jane Howell
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Research shows that use of high fidelity simulation (HFS) as a teaching strategy requires extensive amounts of faculty time and financial resources for faculty development and equipment. This project study addressed the challenges encountered in the integration of HFS into a Midwestern metropolitan baccalaureate nursing program. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore perceptions of nursing faculty about best practice elements for successful integration of HFS into undergraduate nursing programs. Guiding questions were developed using Donabedian's structure-process-outcome model and focused on faculty perceptions related to successful implementation of simulation in their programs. Purposeful sampling was used to …
Exploring Part-Time Teacher Professional Development And Best Practices On Adult Learners' Outcomes,
2017
Walden University
Exploring Part-Time Teacher Professional Development And Best Practices On Adult Learners' Outcomes, Sandra Kay Brown
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
The issue of limited part-time teacher professional development and its effect on adult learners' success at an adult education center in the northeast United States was addressed in this study. At the research site, almost 50% of the teaching staff are adjuncts. Professional development opportunities have been limited, with only 1 opportunity recorded during the 2014-2015 school year. When teachers are provided appropriate and relevant support for the curriculum and student needs, they realize their own craft growth, with measureable student achievement as a result. Knowles's adult learning theory served as the conceptual framework and provided structure for exploring and …
Dimensions Of Professional Growth In Work-Related Teacher Education,
2017
Department of Teacher Education, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Dimensions Of Professional Growth In Work-Related Teacher Education, Leena Aarto-Pesonen, Päivi Tynjälä
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
This article conceptualises adult learners’ professional growth in a tailored, work-related, teacher-qualification programme in physical education. The study data consisted of the reflective-learning diaries of 20 adult learners during a 2-year tertiary and work-related teacher-qualification programme. The data were analysed using data-driven open coding analysis, which was conducted using the constant comparative method of the grounded theory approach. This article presents the horizontal dimensions (egocentric learner, researching professional and expert within society) and the vertical dimensions (transforming self-image, expanding professional self-expression and widening agency) of the adult learners’ multifaceted professional growth process. In addition, the article discusses pedagogical implications in …
Primary Mathematics Trainee Teacher Confidence And Its Relationship To Mathematical Knowledge,
2017
Griffith University
Primary Mathematics Trainee Teacher Confidence And Its Relationship To Mathematical Knowledge, Stephen J. Norton
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
The purpose of this paper is to examine trainee primary school teachers’ confidence in their mathematical content knowledge (MCK) and confidence to teach specific primary mathematics concepts (mathematics pedagogical content knowledge –MPCK) which was correlated to their actual MCK on specific tasks. For this correlational study survey and test data were collected from a cohort of 210 trainee teachers. It was found that confidence to do and to teach mathematics was reasonably strongly correlated with competence. Trainee teachers’ confidence varied greatly depending on the specific mathematics they were attempting. When presented with specific tasks, trainees were well aware of the …
Children With Speech Sound Disorders At School: Challenges For Children, Parents And Teachers,
2017
Charles Sturt University
Children With Speech Sound Disorders At School: Challenges For Children, Parents And Teachers, Graham R. Daniel, Sharynne Mcleod
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Teachers play a major role in supporting children’s educational, social, and emotional development although may be unprepared for supporting children with speech sound disorders. Interviews with 34 participants including six focus children, their parents, siblings, friends, teachers and other significant adults in their lives highlighted challenges for these children in school, and challenges for their parents and teachers in meeting these children’s developmental and educational needs. These challenges were centred on the need for specific expertise in the school setting, and access to additional classroom and professional services to support these students’ engagement in the learning and social environments of …
Exploring The Value Of Service-Learning On Pre-Service Teachers,
2017
Queensland University of Technology
Exploring The Value Of Service-Learning On Pre-Service Teachers, Amanda Mergler, Suzanne B. Carrington, Peter Boman, Megan P. Kimber, Derek Bland
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Service-learning as a transformative pedagogy within university education is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Advocates of service-learning indicate that the practice of combining community based voluntary work with theoretical in-class academic knowledge leads to a greater awareness about diversity and difference in students. While such claims are enticing, particularly in pre-service teacher education where there is a need for teachers to understand and embrace diversity, it is important to determine the veracity of such claims. The current study used a repeated measures design to explore whether engaging in service-learning as part of an inclusive education unit resulted in changes in …
A Collaboration-Mediated Exploration Of Nonnative L2 Teachers’ Cognition Of Language Teaching Methodology,
2017
Allameh Tabataba'i University
A Collaboration-Mediated Exploration Of Nonnative L2 Teachers’ Cognition Of Language Teaching Methodology, Zia Tajeddin, Nafeeseh Aryaeian
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
The present study sought to investigate nonnative L2 teachers’ cognition of teaching methodology based on their collaborative talks. Participants were 12 nonnative EFL teachers categorized into three collaborative discussion groups by their teaching experience. Collaborative discussions were aimed at exploring the participants’ cognition of language teaching methodology, including the criteria for the evaluation of teaching methodology, classroom activities, teaching language skills and sub-skills, teachers’ roles, and learners’ roles in general and communicative language teaching (CLT) in particular. Analysis of the data indicated that the teachers participating in each discussion group held largely similar cognition about most of the issues in …
“I Learned Quite A Lot Of The Maths Stuff Now That I Think Of It”: Māori Medium Students Reflecting On Their Initial Teacher Education,
2017
University of Waikato, New Zealand.
“I Learned Quite A Lot Of The Maths Stuff Now That I Think Of It”: Māori Medium Students Reflecting On Their Initial Teacher Education, Ngārewa Hāwera, Merilyn Taylor
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Research involving preservice or initial teacher education (ITE) indicates that mathematics education is a vital component of study. Little is known however, of indigenous student views of their compulsory mathematics education courses for a teaching degree. This research contributes to that knowledge space as it explores Māori medium ITE students’ perceptions of mathematics education in Aotearoa New Zealand. A thematic and qualitative analysis of a focused group discussion provides insights into key factors that students reported as significant links between their university and practicum experiences (teaching practice in schools). Some suggestions for strengthening that programme were also expressed. Findings indicate …
The Role Of Teachers In Identifying And Supporting Homeless Secondary School Students: Important Lessons For Teacher Education,
2017
Swinburne University of Technology - Australia
The Role Of Teachers In Identifying And Supporting Homeless Secondary School Students: Important Lessons For Teacher Education, Monica Thielking, Louise La Sala, Paul Flatau
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
Young people entering homelessness often do so while still at school. This study explores Australian teachers’ and other student support staff perspectives of the experiences of students who are running away from home, the barriers to student help-seeking, and how local youth services can best support secondary schools to provide necessary services to keep students at school and at home or in some other form of safe and secure accommodation. The study revealed that although teachers and student support staff report awareness that student couch surfing exists; there are a range of barriers which prevent a student from seeking help. …
Active Learning And Self-Regulation Enhance Student Teachers’ Professional Competences,
2017
Centre for Continuing Education, University of Helsinki, Finland
Active Learning And Self-Regulation Enhance Student Teachers’ Professional Competences, Päivi Virtanen, Hannele M. Niemi, Anne Nevgi
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
The study identifies the relationships between active learning, student teachers’ self-regulated learning and professional competences. Further, the aim is to investigate how active learning promotes professional competences of student teachers with different self-regulation profiles. Responses from 422 student teachers to an electronic survey were analysed using statistical methods. It was found that the use of active learning methods, such as goal-oriented and intentional learning as well as autonomous and responsible group work, are strongly and positively related to the achievement of professional competences. To develop the best competences, student teachers need high learning motivation and excellent self-regulation strategies. The mean …
Digital Story-Based Problem Solving Applications: Preservice Primary Teachers’ Experiences And Future Integration Plans,
2017
Istanbul Medeniyet University, Turkey
Digital Story-Based Problem Solving Applications: Preservice Primary Teachers’ Experiences And Future Integration Plans, Çiğdem Kilic, Hatice Sancar-Tokmak
Australian Journal of Teacher Education
This case study investigates how preservice primary school teachers describe their experiences with digital story-based problem solving applications and their plans for the future integration of this technology into their teaching. Totally 113 preservice primary school teachers participated in the study. Data collection tools included a questionnaire with three open-ended questions and focus group interviews. The data were analyzed using content analysis by combining manifest and latent techniques. Most of the preservice primary teachers described positive experiences about digital story-based problem solving applications by emphasizing on that they contribute to both their own and their students’ learning, development, and attitudes. …
