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Teacher Guilt: How Can It Inform Instruction In Foundational Skills In Reading, Terrie Leann Noland

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to understand if K-2 novice educators with three or fewer years of experience have the requisite knowledge and self-efficacy to teach foundational skills in reading and how experienced educators have guilt related to what they wish they would have known about teaching the foundational skills of reading in their beginning years as an educator. The comparison of novice educators with experienced educators could impact future pre-service preparation for novice educators. This study was framed within social cognitive theory related to teacher self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977) and feelings associated with guilt (Hargreaves, 1991). This study used …

The Role Of Teacher Education Programs In Fostering Pre-Service Teachers’ Self-Efficacy In Mathematics, Christina Ann Miller

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is: (1) To examine the perceptions of preservice teachers in teacher education programs in relationship to self-efficacy with the focus on mathematics, (2) Compare student’s self-efficacy based upon the year in college, (3) Compare student’s self-efficacy based upon their concentration, and (4) Compare student’s self-efficacy based upon the program they are enrolled in. With the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) being introduced and implemented in 2010, many preservice teachers currently enrolled in college courses would not have been exposed to said standards while students in elementary school. Therefore, with their first introduction to …

Exploring Teachers' Self-Efficacy About Technology Use In Learning Design And Student Performance In Mathematics: A Qualitative Study About Math Anxiety, Sandra B. Vorensky

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore teachers' perceived self-efficacy about mathematics and using educational technology and its influence on lessening students' math anxiety in the classroom. Building upon previous research by Sun and Pyzdrowski (2009), this study examined teachers' beliefs about mathematics and their own ability to use online educational mathematics resources to lessen students' math anxiety, increase self-efficacy and encourage academic achievement. A qualitative research design was used in this study. Data was collected sequentially from teacher observations during math instruction, surveys, and semi-structured interviews with third and fourth grade teachers. Results support previous self-efficacy research about …

The Role Of Professional Development On Secondary Special Educators Self-Efficacy Regarding The Use Of Evidence-Based Transition Practices, Lauren P. Bruno

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine how transition specific professional development influenced secondary special educators’ knowledge and perceived self-efficacy regarding the use of evidence-based transition practices. Past research has suggested that secondary special educators enter the profession with limited knowledge and skills to provide effective evidence-based transition practices to students with disabilities. Based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, and Desimone’s framework for effective professional development, this study identified how different variables related to professional development can influence teacher self-efficacy in terms of delivering evidence-based transition practices. Specifically, a correlational research design was used to investigate teacher self-efficacy to …

An Inquiry Into The Development Of Future Speech-Language Pathologists: A Mixed Methods Study, Kimberly Plotts

Theses and Dissertations

Upon graduating college, many students seek employment within the degree area in which they obtained. Employers are seeking skills in individuals that encompass interpersonal, technical, analytical, personal, and professional abilities. As with many careers, the allied health field requires content specific knowledge and specialized skills, which indicate sufficient work readiness. The allied health field of speech-language pathology is touted as one of the fastest growing professions in this decade and is in demand. To become a speech-language pathologist, one must complete a master's program and supervised clinical practicums. Despite participating in a master's program with quality curricula, having supervision by …

Raising The Bar: The Stories Of Ged Graduates Transitioning To Community College, David Weatherspoon

Theses and Dissertations

RAISING THE BAR: THE STORIES OF GED GRADUATES

TRANSITIONING TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

David Weatherspoon

216 Pages January 2015

The purpose of this study is to examine the educational stories of GED graduates' pursuit of a college degree. The analysis captures the shared experiences of a select number of students' challenges and barriers during their transition to college. This research explores the links between the concepts of social and cultural capital and locus of control (behavior) by examining how these concepts are logically interrelated. The students were purposefully selected to participate based on their involvement in the community college GED transition …