Education Commons^™

An Ethnographic Investigation Into The Influence Of Bandura’S Four Psychological Sources Of Information On Mid-Career Elementary Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, Mayra Herrera

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this ethnographic investigation was to examine and describe the experiences that impact mid-career elementary teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs based on Bandura’s four psychological sources of information.

Methodology: An ethnographic research design was utilized in this study to collect data from 15 mid-career elementary school teachers in Riverside County, which is located in Southern California. A semi-structured interview protocol was utilized to gather the rich accounts of situations that impacted the self-efficacy beliefs of participants.

Findings: From the examination of data collected from the 15 ethnographic one-on-one interviews, the following findings emerged: (a) Teachers feel validated from positive …

An Evaluation Of Avid As A Supplemental Education Program At The Middle School Level, Lori Bradner

Dissertations

This is a study of AVID as a supplemental education program at the middle school level that includes a quantitative evaluation of the academic efficacy of AVID utilizing anonymized, longitudinal student achievement data. The second section is a qualitative evaluation of the AVID program at one middle school within a district to determine the perceived efficacy of the AVID program among stakeholders using surveys and interviews. This also includes a discussion of the necessary change in leadership determined by the evaluation portions of this project. The third portion outlines a policy change essential for satisfactory outcome as defined by AVID …

The Impact Of Principal Leadership Behaviors On The Efficacy Of New And Experienced Schools To Watch-Taking Center Stage Middle School Teachers, Melanie A. Dopson

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative study is to identify the impact of principal leadership behaviors on the efficacy of new and experienced teachers in California STW-TCS middle schools.

Methodology: This quantitative study investigated leadership behaviors of principals that enhance the efficacy of teachers. Teachers from Bay Area – Sacramento STW-TCS middle schools were surveyed using the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES) and Principal Rating and Rating Scale (PRRS). Demographic information was obtained to compare principal behaviors and teacher efficacy in relation to teacher gender, teacher years of experience, poverty level of school, school size, and location of school …

A Case Study Of The Efficacy Of Middle College On Educational Advancement, Piper Wilson

Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to examine the role of a middle college as a viable educational alternative to the traditional school environment and as one that supported student transition from high school into post-secondary education. Middle college is a unique transitional program in which students can participate in high school and college courses, typically on a college campus (Middle College National Consortium (MCNC), 2014a). Student participants usually experience more student support services, and practical, real-world education (Lieberman, 2004). The study consisted of a mixed methods design, with five total research questions, and included participant data from the target …

Place-Based Education: An Impetus For Teacher Efficacy, Tamara Chase Coleman

Dissertations

This research investigated professional development in place-based (PB) methodology on the efficacy of science teachers. While teachers are expected to use best practices they do not always implement them due to a lack of efficacy in implementation. A professional development program (PD) was designed to increase confidence among teachers planning to incorporate PB methods. Place-based education (PBE) is recognized as a best-practice among professional educators. PBE includes the selection, design and engagement with science using the geographic place as the content. The literature reports that student learning and teacher efficacy will improve when teachers are prepared effectively in PB practices. …

The Impact Of Computer Efficacy On The Success Of The Nontraditional Community College Student, Amy Renee Henson

Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the extent that computer-related factors affect the success of nontraditional college students. Since nontraditional students typically have fewer skills than traditionally-aged students, they may be less efficacious regarding their ability to use technology. Unfortunately, such reduced confidence may adversely affect the entire college experience for students, and ultimately, successful employment. The simple process of obtaining information on campus websites may be daunting enough; however, when students enter the classroom, they often find that course requirements include considerable amounts of computer use. Therefore, in addition to learning specific course content, nontraditional students must …