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Full-Text Articles in Education

Problem-Based Learning To Improve International Student Outcomes, Jay C. Goodman Aug 2021

Problem-Based Learning To Improve International Student Outcomes, Jay C. Goodman

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

As education systems shift away from disciplinary-specific content and towards the development of skills that are transferable between disciplines, years and stages of life, many schools still note a gap between this desired state and their current reality. Problem-based learning (PBL) is gaining prominence as a method of closing this gap. PBL is grounded in constructionist theory, which believes that students learn best when solving authentic problems through a multi-disciplinary approach and when they have the opportunity to present this learning. This OIP addresses the absence of a school mission-aligned implementation strategy for innovative PBL programming in grades 11 and …


Improving Online Student Engagement In The Online Classroom, Emily Chen-Bendle Aug 2020

Improving Online Student Engagement In The Online Classroom, Emily Chen-Bendle

The Dissertation in Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan seeks to address inadequate online student engagement within online classrooms at University X. Inadequate student engagement risks students’ learning, persistence, performance, and academic achievement (Kuh, Cruce, Shoup, Kinzi, & Gonyea, 2008; Meyer, 2014; Pardo, Han, & Ellis, 2016; Phan, McNeil, & Robin, 2016), demonstrating the pressing need to improve online student engagement. This work is undertaken in the context of substantial growth in online education, accelerated in the short term by a movement to online delivery of face-to-face post-secondary education necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. The author considers this problem from a non-traditional leadership …


Ontario Teachers' Understanding And Practices Of Reform Instruction: A Case Study Of Constructivism, Nehal Aldamigh Jul 2018

Ontario Teachers' Understanding And Practices Of Reform Instruction: A Case Study Of Constructivism, Nehal Aldamigh

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Since the development of the theory of constructivism from the work of educators Piaget, Brunner and Vygotsky, constructivism has also influenced pedagogical practice. Unlike the traditional approaches of teaching, constructivism encourages learners to construct their own knowledge and take control of their own learning. Although constructivism is widely accepted among teachers, teachers may have misunderstanding/misinterpretation of constructivism which leads to teaching practices that devalue students’ prior knowledge and experiences. This qualitative study examined elementary school teachers’ understanding and practice of constructivism. Data were collected from semi-structured interview, classroom observations, and analysis of teachers’ lesson plans. Findings from the interview showed …


The Learning Of Human Ingenuity Within A Formal, Environmental Education Program: A Case Study Of Two Secondary School Programs, Brian D. Smith Aug 2015

The Learning Of Human Ingenuity Within A Formal, Environmental Education Program: A Case Study Of Two Secondary School Programs, Brian D. Smith

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

This thesis explores the implementation of creative pedagogies to determine how creativity as a disposition and learning outcome is pursued in Ontario classrooms. Its focus falls within a broad context of growing interest in Environmental Education and increasing demand for problem-solving skills in the workforce and beyond. The study draws upon participant experiences to examine how creative problem-solving is realized. A case study approach was employed, using multiple data sources in two High School Environmental Leadership Programs. Findings from this research suggest that teachers prioritize the building, comprehension and application of facts and concepts over the use of instructional strategies …