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Full-Text Articles in Education

Co-Design For Curriculum Planning: A Model For Professional Development For High School Teachers, Nick Kelly, Natalie Wright, Les Dawes, Jeremy Kerr, Amanda Robertson Jan 2019

Co-Design For Curriculum Planning: A Model For Professional Development For High School Teachers, Nick Kelly, Natalie Wright, Les Dawes, Jeremy Kerr, Amanda Robertson

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper describes a model for teacher professional development as co-design for curriculum planning in which facilitators with design and pedagogical expertise iteratively work with groups of secondary school teachers, one school at a time, to plan whole terms of work, as a form of teacher professional development. It contains preliminary results from a design-based research study involving co-design with digital technologies teachers in two Australian secondary schools. It describes two phases of design involving workshops, strategies and instruments that work to facilitate effective co-design with teachers. Results from this pilot study suggest that the co-design for curriculum planning model …


Social Studies Teachers’ Opinions And Practices Regarding Teaching Controversial Issues, Zafer Kuş, Durdane Öztürk Jan 2019

Social Studies Teachers’ Opinions And Practices Regarding Teaching Controversial Issues, Zafer Kuş, Durdane Öztürk

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In today’s globalised world, many issues have become controversial. These controversial issues affect society and the individuals who form them. It is inevitable that these topics are brought into social studies classrooms, because this learning area is profoundly related to society. Social studies teachers’ behaviours, attitudes, and professional knowledge are crucial in teaching controversial issues. The goal of this study was to investigate social studies teachers’ opinions and practices regarding teaching controversial issues in Turkey. The study utilised a mixed method in which both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The quantitative data for this study were collected from …


Current Issues And Future Directions In Australian Special And Inclusive Education, Kerry A. Dally, Michelle M. Ralston, Iva Strnadová, Ian Dempsey, Dianne Chambers, Judith Foggett, David Paterson, Umesh Sharma, Jill Duncan Jan 2019

Current Issues And Future Directions In Australian Special And Inclusive Education, Kerry A. Dally, Michelle M. Ralston, Iva Strnadová, Ian Dempsey, Dianne Chambers, Judith Foggett, David Paterson, Umesh Sharma, Jill Duncan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In this article we review the medical, human rights, social and social interactionist models of disability, and consider how these differing perspectives have influenced the provision of educational services to students with disability in Australia. We contend that the shift in educational policy and provision, from supporting to including students with disability, has engendered a need for targeted professional development for both general and special education teachers. A model illustrating the unique skills of special educators and the common skills, knowledge and attitudes required by all teachers to implement effective inclusive education is presented and priorities for future research discussed.



Can Secondary Teaching Graduates Support Literacy In The Classroom? Evidence From Undergraduate Assignments, Brian R. Moon, Barbara R. Harris, Anne-Maree Hays Jan 2019

Can Secondary Teaching Graduates Support Literacy In The Classroom? Evidence From Undergraduate Assignments, Brian R. Moon, Barbara R. Harris, Anne-Maree Hays

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Education policy in Australia and comparable countries requires that all secondary content teachers actively teach the literacy of their learning area and support the literacy development of students in their classes. In this paper we present evidence on the capacity of graduating teachers to meet that obligation. We review assessment data from 393 Initial Teacher Education students who completed a core unit in secondary curriculum literacy prior to graduation. We report that while the majority met the unit requirements, approximately 30% graduated as teachers with marginal or inadequate capacity to teach the literacy of their subject or support student learning …


An Evaluation Of The Use Of An Online Demonstration School, Robert Whannell, Jane Lamb, Linley Cornish, Tim Bartlett-Taylor, Brenda Wolodko Jan 2019

An Evaluation Of The Use Of An Online Demonstration School, Robert Whannell, Jane Lamb, Linley Cornish, Tim Bartlett-Taylor, Brenda Wolodko

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In 2016, a change was made to the approach taken for delivery of the first practicum placement experience for initial teacher education students at [the university]. Rather than the traditional 20-day in-school observation placement, an alternative 10-day online experience, called the Online Demonstration School (ODS), was developed. The ODS provided students with a fully online practicum experience involving viewing videos of a variety of classroom situations developed in conjunction with local schools. Subsequent reflection and collaboration with peers and academics allowed targeted aspects in the classroom situations to be examined in depth. This article summarises the literature supporting this change …


Contextual And Educational Dimensions Of Efl Teacher Engagement In Second Language Acquisition Research, Zahra Shafiee, Elaheh Sotoudehnama Jan 2019

Contextual And Educational Dimensions Of Efl Teacher Engagement In Second Language Acquisition Research, Zahra Shafiee, Elaheh Sotoudehnama

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This mixed methods study investigated the contextual and educational dimensions of engaging language teachers in second language acquisition (SLA) theory and research to inform second language pedagogy. To this end, 132 Iranian English teachers completed the questionnaire designed by Nassaji (2012) that includes both Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. The participants had academic degrees in majors related to English language. They constituted two groups of public sector (n=66) and private sector (n=66). Each group was divided in two sub-groups, one with Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) and the other with Master of Arts (M.A.). Quantitative data analyses revealed a significant difference …


How Teachers Find Meaning In Their Work And Effects On Their Pedagogical Practice, Kristina Turner, Monica Thielking Jan 2019

How Teachers Find Meaning In Their Work And Effects On Their Pedagogical Practice, Kristina Turner, Monica Thielking

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This study addresses a gap in current literature by applying a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand how teachers with a calling orientation perceive meaning in their work. A calling orientation has been defined by Wrzesniewski, et al. (1997) as a commitment to one’s work as it contributes to the greater good and makes the world a better place. Individuals’ perception of participation in meaningful work has been closely linked to subjective wellbeing. The current study revealed that teachers’ reported that they found meaning in their work through having an impact on their students’ lives and through positive relationships with students …


Australia’S Literacy And Numeracy Test For Initial Teacher Education Students: Trends In Numeracy For Low- And High-Achieving Students, Jennifer Hall, Simone Zmood Jan 2019

Australia’S Literacy And Numeracy Test For Initial Teacher Education Students: Trends In Numeracy For Low- And High-Achieving Students, Jennifer Hall, Simone Zmood

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The numeracy capabilities of pre-service teachers are a recent focus in the Australian educational system. In this article, we discuss findings from an analysis of data from the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE), which is administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research. In our analysis, we considered numeracy test data from 20 students from one Australian university: those who achieved the 10 highest and the 10 lowest overall numeracy scores in 2016 at this university on their first attempt of the test. We found that these groups clearly have particular characteristics that were linked …


How Do Teacher Affective And Cognitive Self-Concepts Predict Their Willingness To Teach Challenging Students?, Ee Ling Low, Pak Tee Ng, Chenri Hui, Li Cai Jan 2019

How Do Teacher Affective And Cognitive Self-Concepts Predict Their Willingness To Teach Challenging Students?, Ee Ling Low, Pak Tee Ng, Chenri Hui, Li Cai

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Building on and extending earlier research on student self-concepts and studies investigating teachers working with students with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, disorders, or disturbance, this longitudinal study examined teacher self-concepts in relation to their willingness to teach challenging students in mainstream classrooms. In the current study, “challenging students” refer to those who may pose a challenge to the teacher, either behaviourally or academically. Statistical measures included analysis of variance, correlation analysis, path analysis, and commonality analysis. Survey data collected from 108 participants at three different time points consistently showed that affective self-concept was a stronger predictor than cognitive …


“Hopefully, I Will Gain Confidence”: Hope In Pre-Service Teachers’ Mathematics And Numeracy Testing, Anat Wilson, Wendy Goff Jan 2019

“Hopefully, I Will Gain Confidence”: Hope In Pre-Service Teachers’ Mathematics And Numeracy Testing, Anat Wilson, Wendy Goff

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The recent introduction of a personal literacy and numeracy test (LANTITE) has been part of tighter accreditation of Initial Teacher Education programs across Australia. This article focuses on pre-service teachers’ experiences, beliefs and feelings about the new high-stakes testing regime. The data are drawn from a six-month project intended to evaluate students’ experience in a first-year university mathematics unit. The focus in the present article is on students’ responses to open-ended questions about their expectations of the unit, their level of confidence in areas of using and teaching mathematics and their thoughts and feelings about their own skill level …


Exploring Intersections Of Work Intensity And Professional Learning: Female Teachers’ Responses To Research Engagement As Professional Learning, Jennifer Mitton-Kukner Jan 2019

Exploring Intersections Of Work Intensity And Professional Learning: Female Teachers’ Responses To Research Engagement As Professional Learning, Jennifer Mitton-Kukner

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Much research has focused upon the promise of teacher research engagement as a form of professional learning. Yet, little scholarship has looked closely at how female teachers juggle research engagement alongside personal and professional responsibilities. This inquiry into the research experiences of two mid-career teachers provides an up-close look at the ways they attempted to sustain engagement over a three-year period. Attending closely to participants’ accounts of time use, as they engaged in research activities, sheds light upon the presence of socio-cultural expectations, in these instances, constraining their efforts and, arguably, impacting the depth of their professional learning.


Alternative Teacher Certification Students’ Motivations Of Teaching, Ebru Öztürk Akar Jan 2019

Alternative Teacher Certification Students’ Motivations Of Teaching, Ebru Öztürk Akar

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The legal studies teaching methodology IRAC (issue, rule, application, conclusion) is widely used in universities by both law and business schools. This paper examines the effectiveness of IRAC from a teaching perspective and its usefulness for business students. Data is generated from an Australian university case study using teacher interviews and a student survey. The findings suggest that, because of its flexibility and logical structure, the practice of IRAC has become normalised. However it is only effective if teachers disseminate these features consistently in their teaching. Students in the study understood the usefulness of IRAC for classwork, but encountered application …


Anecdotes, Experience, And ‘Learning By Osmosis’: The Role Of Professional Cultures In Preparing Teachers For Parent-School Engagement, Sue Saltmarsh, Amy K. Mcpherson, Sayan Chakrabarty, Stephen Winn, David Saltmarsh Jan 2019

Anecdotes, Experience, And ‘Learning By Osmosis’: The Role Of Professional Cultures In Preparing Teachers For Parent-School Engagement, Sue Saltmarsh, Amy K. Mcpherson, Sayan Chakrabarty, Stephen Winn, David Saltmarsh

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Initial teacher education and experiences of the professional cultures of teaching contribute to teachers’ understandings about how to engage with parents. Drawing on qualitative research data, and informed by Michel de Certeau’s theory of culture and everyday life, this paper explores how everyday beliefs and professional practices that shape relationships between teachers and parents can remain relatively stable despite changing expectations of policy-makers and communities. The paper argues that equipping pre-service, beginning and experienced teachers and school leaders with research-based understandings about these cultural dynamics is crucial to informing professional practices that support meaningful and effective parent-school engagement.



Social Media Use In Initial Teacher Education: Lessons On Knowing Where Your Students Are, Narelle Lemon, Siobhan O'Brien Jan 2019

Social Media Use In Initial Teacher Education: Lessons On Knowing Where Your Students Are, Narelle Lemon, Siobhan O'Brien

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The use of social media in initial teacher education offers connection to a community of learners. As teacher educators we planned to use Twitter with pre-service teachers (PSTs). But at the end of the semester it was revealed that PSTs insisted on using a different platform; offering valuable perspectives and insights into the boundaries that are set by PSTs when moving from personal to professional use of social media. Through this paper we share our voices as initial teacher educators who valued the voices of PSTs in navigating the integration of Twitter into a semester of study. Revealed are insights …


A Multilevel Analysis Of The Impact Of Teachers’ Beliefs And Mathematical Knowledge For Teaching On Students’ Mathematics Achievement, Adem Ekmekci, Danya M. Corkin, Weihua Fan Jan 2019

A Multilevel Analysis Of The Impact Of Teachers’ Beliefs And Mathematical Knowledge For Teaching On Students’ Mathematics Achievement, Adem Ekmekci, Danya M. Corkin, Weihua Fan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

: Teachers’ content knowledge and beliefs about teaching and learning are among the key factors for effective teaching and, in turn, for student achievement-related outcomes. This study explores the extent to which K-8 math teachers’—who teach in high-poverty urban schools—professional background, motivational beliefs, and mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) have an impact on students’ math achievement. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) results indicated that although students’ prior mathematics achievement was the most determining factor of their subsequent math achievement, teachers’ MKT and holding a bachelor’s degree in mathematics had significant positive effects on students’ math achievement. Results provide support for professional …


“A Passion And Enthusiasm To Bring Out The Best In All”: Regional Candidate Teacher Motivations, Lynn Sheridan Jan 2019

“A Passion And Enthusiasm To Bring Out The Best In All”: Regional Candidate Teacher Motivations, Lynn Sheridan

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In this study the career motivations and values of regional candidate teachers are investigated using a mixed methodology. Expectancy–value theory (Wigfield & Eccles, 2000) supports the understanding of motivations through the use of four key value categories: interest, utility, attainment and cost. A total of 135 pre-service teachers were surveyed using a modified survey instrument. This study addresses a gap in career motivational literature by exploring the motivations of regional teacher candidates. Current research indicates that quality staffing in Australian regional schools remains a significant concern. Findings indicated that candidates’ motivations tended to be aspirational, yet there also exist strong …


A Comparative Investigation Of First And Fourth Year Pre-Service Teachers’ Expectations And Perceptions Of Emotional Intelligence, Marcela Gallardo, Hazel Tan, Maria Gindidis Jan 2019

A Comparative Investigation Of First And Fourth Year Pre-Service Teachers’ Expectations And Perceptions Of Emotional Intelligence, Marcela Gallardo, Hazel Tan, Maria Gindidis

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This article reports on the perceptions and expectations of pre-service teachers (PSTs) on the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) taught as part of a teacher preparation course. The research was conducted across core units in first and fourth years of an undergraduate education degree in an Australian university. The researchers used a mixed method study. Online survey data from 208 students were analysed, using descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Results indicate that PSTs’ understandings of EI included awareness and management of emotions in oneself and others. They perceived EI as highly important to teachers …


Insights From Senior-Secondary Physical Education Students On Teacher-Related Factors They Perceive To Influence Academic Achievement, Rachael J. Whittle, Amanda Telford, Amanda C. Benson Jan 2019

Insights From Senior-Secondary Physical Education Students On Teacher-Related Factors They Perceive To Influence Academic Achievement, Rachael J. Whittle, Amanda Telford, Amanda C. Benson

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This research aimed to explore student perceptions of teacher-related factors that may influence academic achievement in the context of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Physical Education. This qualitative study involved 23 VCE Physical Education students from three government and one independent secondary school in Victoria, Australia. Focus groups utilising a semi-structured interview schedule explored student perceptions of teacher-related factors on academic achievement. The importance of teachers having a good ‘attitude’, a broad repertoire of teaching strategies, making real-world connections, developing positive student-teacher relationships and facilitating access to themselves outside of scheduled class time were perceived by students as important influences.


“That’S What You Want To Do As A Teacher, Make A Difference, Let The Child Be, Have High Expectations”: Stories Of Becoming, Being And Unbecoming An Early Childhood Teacher, Jessica Ciuciu, Natalie Robertson Jan 2019

“That’S What You Want To Do As A Teacher, Make A Difference, Let The Child Be, Have High Expectations”: Stories Of Becoming, Being And Unbecoming An Early Childhood Teacher, Jessica Ciuciu, Natalie Robertson

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This article explores the experiences of four individuals who changed careers into early childhood teaching in Victoria, Australia and later left the profession. The study was conducted with a narrative inquiry approach and reveals insight into motivations for becoming an early childhood teacher (ECT), experiences of being an ECT and factors that lead to un-becoming an ECT. Participants were motivated by pragmatic reasons such as career advancement and family-work compatibility alongside intrinsic interest when becoming an ECT. They entered the profession eager to support children’s learning and development. However, their experiences compromised their health and wellbeing and inhibited them from …


Introducing An Eportfolio Into Practicum-Based Units: Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions Of Effective Support, Pauline Roberts, Gillian Kirk Jan 2019

Introducing An Eportfolio Into Practicum-Based Units: Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions Of Effective Support, Pauline Roberts, Gillian Kirk

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

ePortfolios are gaining momentum as a preferred way for graduates to demonstrate current and developing capabilities against industry standards. Effective training is essential for new graduates to produce quality and competitive ePortfolios. This research focused on the perspective of pre-service teachers on the effectiveness of learning opportunities provided to increase confidence and skills in developing an ePortfolio in an Australian four-year undergraduate degree. The initial phase of this research employed a survey to examine the perspective of 132 second-year and 105 third-year pre-service teachers. Results indicated that for the second-year cohort there was a minimal increase in the levels of …


The Use Of Blog Activities To Promote Reflection In An Elt Practicum, Esra Bener, Senem Yıldız Jan 2019

The Use Of Blog Activities To Promote Reflection In An Elt Practicum, Esra Bener, Senem Yıldız

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Informed by the theories of critical reflection and community of practice, this study aimed to explore the integration of blogs to promote reflection among eighteen pre-service English language teachers registered in a practicum course at a public university in Turkey. Fourteen blog activities were designed and implemented to guide the reflective process of student teachers. Data were collected through archival documents of participants’ blog entries, two focus group interviews and two surveys. A total of 457 entries were analysed in terms of depth of reflection and the analysis revealed evidence of medium or high level reflection in most (61%) of …