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Full-Text Articles in Education
Teachers' Perceptions Of Instructional Coaches, Melanie Sharp
Teachers' Perceptions Of Instructional Coaches, Melanie Sharp
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined teachers' perceptions of instructional coaches at a public, rural school in central Iowa. Thirty teachers participated in a confidential survey which examined their coaching experiences, their perceptions about coaching barriers and strategies to overcome those barriers. After the surveys were analyzed, six of the teachers were invited to engage in a follow-up interview to further explore common themes. One notable difference between teachers was found in the perceived role and responsibilities of an instructional coach. Findings of the study suggest that a lack of school structure and norms can greatly impede the teachers’ perceptions of …
Understanding Teacher Shortages In Christian Schools, Ralph Medema
Understanding Teacher Shortages In Christian Schools, Ralph Medema
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project investigated the reasons for the current teacher shortage in the Federation of Protestant Reformed Christian Schools. The research was a descriptive survey study with parents, teachers, and students serving as respondents. Three surveys were designed to measure perspectives about teaching and motivations for both becoming and remaining teachers among members of Christian schools from a Reformed Christian background. The survey results indicated some correlation with previous research, especially concerning the financial aspects of teaching. The survey results also demonstrated some aspects that make the perspectives and motivations of Reformed Christians unique. Suggestions for strengthening the ability …
Teacher Retention At A Tribal School, Cara Mulder
Teacher Retention At A Tribal School, Cara Mulder
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project examined teacher retention in an extremely stressful job at a tribal school in northwest Washington. Two groups of teachers participated. The first group was made up of teachers who had been at Lummi Nation School for less than five years and the second group was made up of teachers who had been teaching there for more than ten years. The participants were interviewed about their jobs, uncovering the job stressors that they faced, the job satisfaction that they found, and the reasons they continued in their jobs. Both groups had similar responses regarding job stress and …
Importance Of Play: Play-Based Instruction Within A Preschool Learning Environment, Sarah Sjoerdsma
Importance Of Play: Play-Based Instruction Within A Preschool Learning Environment, Sarah Sjoerdsma
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research study investigated and compared the attitudes and beliefs of play-based instruction among several early childhood professionals. A researcher-designed survey was sent to participants in several small Midwestern schools. The participants included preschool, transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten teachers as well as preschool and elementary administrators. The statements on the survey were based on three different early childhood teaching approaches: teacher-directed instruction, student-centered instruction, and play-based instruction. The responses were analyzed and compared and the results showed mixed beliefs about play-based instruction in the preschool classroom. Preschool teachers and administrators strongly agreed on the play-based statements while TK …
Parent Involvement In The Middle School, Stephanie Walhof
Parent Involvement In The Middle School, Stephanie Walhof
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project investigated the effects of parental involvement on the education of middle school students. Parents and teachers at Sioux Center Middle School were surveyed on how they viewed the potential impact of parental involvement on student achievement. Parents and teachers were also asked about barriers that might prevent involvement and best practices that would capitalize on effective parental involvement. The results of the survey confirmed that teachers and parents see parental involvement as important for student achievement. Few barriers were noted as inhibiting parental involvement. The best practice of parent-teacher conferences was noted as the most effective …
Teaching For Transformation: A Tool For Christian Teachers, Rachel Vanden Hull
Teaching For Transformation: A Tool For Christian Teachers, Rachel Vanden Hull
Master of Education Program Theses
This qualitative research study examined the Teaching for Transformation framework and looked at whether Teaching for Transformation strategies equip teachers to be prepared in nurturing students’ faith and their role in the Kingdom story. Previous literature has shown a need for more emphasis on faith in the curriculum in Christian schools. Literature also shows the need for a framework that will equip teachers in empowering students to become responsive disciples. Teachers were interviewed and surveyed to gather information for this study. Teachers were able to give examples of student work by using the Teaching for Transformation framework, and they were …
Reading As A Necessity: Best Practices For Incorporating Reading Into One English Course, Kristin M. Janssen
Reading As A Necessity: Best Practices For Incorporating Reading Into One English Course, Kristin M. Janssen
Master of Education Program Theses
This action research project investigated the best practices of teaching reading in a middle school curriculum requiring reading and writing to be combined in one English course. A private middle school in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, was evaluated on its use of the best practices. The participants were 24 teachers of 13 different subjects taught to students in seventh and eighth grade. All middle school teachers were sent a survey including questions about the best practices of reading across the curriculum, integrated instruction, and cooperative learning. The results of this study suggested that best practices of reading instruction …
Keys To Effective Resolution Of Staff Conflict In Christian Schools, Sandra De Jong
Keys To Effective Resolution Of Staff Conflict In Christian Schools, Sandra De Jong
Master of Education Program Theses
The purpose of this project is to outline some keys to effective resolution of staff conflict in Christian schools. This project begins by introducing the problems that can occur in Christian community when conflict does not get resolved effectively. This is followed up by a closer look at God's will and purpose for Christian community in resolving conflicts that may threaten to tear them apart. This discussion is followed up with the identification of the characteristics of conflict and the trends that people generally follow when seeking to resolve their conflicts. Since the Bible is known to be a study …