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2008

Professional development

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Action Research As Professional Development: A Study Of Two Teachers, Wade R. Glathar Dec 2008

Action Research As Professional Development: A Study Of Two Teachers, Wade R. Glathar

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the experiences of two teachers in a public charter school who implement action research in their classrooms. The study explored the key elements of professional development as well as action research and makes the case as to why action research is an effective tool for teacher development. Participants were selected based on having little teaching experience and familiarity with action research. The study examined the experiences of teachers who have had limited professional development as they use action research in their practices. Data for the study were drawn from interviews as well as researcher and participant journals.


Learning To Lead: Examining The Moderator Role In Debrief Conversations Among Professional Developers, Heather K. Harkins Oct 2008

Learning To Lead: Examining The Moderator Role In Debrief Conversations Among Professional Developers, Heather K. Harkins

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper reports on a study wherein the author examined her own practice when moderating debrief conversations. The analysis applied a multifaceted theoretical framework from professional learning. The findings suggest that the moderator's role as it was implemented primarily arranged organizing circumstances (Spear and Mocker, 1984) provoked by her own basic psychological needs (Deci and Ryan, 2000), her mental models (Seel, 2001), and her perception of these individual attributes in others. The implications for her future practice as a moderator are discussed.


Professional Development Initiatives That Bridge, Develop And Support Learning Environments For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse School Communities In The Us And Guatemala, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin, Michelle Zucaro, Cynthia Rainbow Oct 2008

Professional Development Initiatives That Bridge, Develop And Support Learning Environments For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse School Communities In The Us And Guatemala, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin, Michelle Zucaro, Cynthia Rainbow

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper describes action research initiated by members of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Literacy Honor Society of the International Reading Association at Adelphi University. In an ongoing service project sponsored by the Nassau Reading Council (NRC) and sanctioned by the Minister of Education in Guatemala, the participants are teacher educators and teacher-researchers studying their own professional learning as they provide literacy pedagogical techniques for colleagues in the US, as well as observing the effects of the NRC professional development initiative in literacy for Guatemalan teachers. Educational insights will resonate in improved literacy practices in the US and Guatemala.


Understanding Cpd Of Adults Through An Insider's Narrative, Imran Anjum Chaudary Sep 2008

Understanding Cpd Of Adults Through An Insider's Narrative, Imran Anjum Chaudary

Dr Imran Anjum

No abstract provided.


Trio: An Emerging Model Of Adult Professional Learning, Barry Shekley, Marijke Kehrhahn, Sandy Bell, Robin Grenier Aug 2008

Trio: An Emerging Model Of Adult Professional Learning, Barry Shekley, Marijke Kehrhahn, Sandy Bell, Robin Grenier

Adult Education Research Conference

Based on research conducted over the past 6 years, the authors offer a model that depicts the key features of professional learning. The model is based on the proposition that optimal professional learning is possible when specific individual attributes, environmental affordances, and key experiences intersect.


Middle-Level Leaders Perceptions Of Accountability, Deena Cousar Brown Aug 2008

Middle-Level Leaders Perceptions Of Accountability, Deena Cousar Brown

Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the perceptions of middle-level principals personal and school accountability, their perceptions of beliefs and competencies that influence improvement in student achievement and accomplishment of accountability, and their perceptions regarding the adequacy of professional development and preparation for middle-level principals that affect their ability to improve student achievement and perform their leadership role in an increased accountability environment. This study specifically examined differences in the perceptions of middle-level principals' accountability based on the socioeconomics of the school, the number of years of administrative experience, and previous middle-school teaching experience.


Locating Supervision—A Reflective Framework For Negotiating Tensions Within Conceptual And Procedural Foci For Teacher Development, Jennifer L. Snow-Gerono Aug 2008

Locating Supervision—A Reflective Framework For Negotiating Tensions Within Conceptual And Procedural Foci For Teacher Development, Jennifer L. Snow-Gerono

Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

This manuscript presents a theoretical construct for analyzing procedural and conceptual tensions within instructional leadership for teacher development. The dynamic, multi-dimensional framework demonstrates possibilities for locating supervision as having procedural and conceptual bases. By employing the questions identified, educators place themselves within the framework focused on specific areas and located along a procedural to conceptual continuum. Identifying tensions in practice guides educators to be more reflective when engaging in professional growth. Ultimately, teachers need to become empowered to engage in reflective supervision in order to guide professional development, teaching and learning.


A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Kim Carter Jul 2008

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Kim Carter

Dissertations

The purpose of the study of the mentoring / professional development program within the teaching profession was to determine the extent and perceived value of the existing formal mentoring program in the Fort Zumwalt School District. The study found that the district's mentoring and professional development program for new teachers is effective as perceived by both beginning teachers and their administrators. The instrument used in this study was a survey designed by the District and distributed to beginning teachers who finished their first year of teaching and the formal mentor program during the 2002-2003 through the 2006-2007 school years. Surveys …


A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Jason Sefrit Jul 2008

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Jason Sefrit

Dissertations

The purpose of the study of the mentoring I professional development program within the teaching profession was to determine the extent and perceived value of the existing formal mentoring program in the Fort Zumwalt School District. The study found that the district's mentoring and professional development program for new teachers is effective as perceived by both beginning teachers and their administrators. The instrument used in this study was a survey designed by the District and distributed to beginning teachers who finished their first year of teaching and the formal mentor program during the 2002-2003 through the 2006-2007 school years. Surveys …


Integrative Approach: A Teacher Evaluation Process To Improve Practice At Fraser Valley Christian High School, N. Matthew Beimers Jun 2008

Integrative Approach: A Teacher Evaluation Process To Improve Practice At Fraser Valley Christian High School, N. Matthew Beimers

Master of Education Program Theses

This qualitative case study examines if the teacher evaluation process at Fraser Valley Christian High School (FVC) leads to improved teacher practices. In this case study, the author examines three current teachers at FVC who have gone through the evaluation process in the last twelve months and the impact the evaluation process had on their practice. FVC takes an integrated approach to its evaluation, combining both summative and formative evaluations with a focus on teacher participation in all facets of the process. Teachers at FVC are invited to consider how the domains of Planning and Preparation, Classroom Instruction, Classroom Community, …


The Impact Of Mentoring On Retention, Quality, Commitment Of Graduates From One School-University Partnership, Brenda Kraber Jun 2008

The Impact Of Mentoring On Retention, Quality, Commitment Of Graduates From One School-University Partnership, Brenda Kraber

College of Education Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the impact of mentoring on retention, quality and commitment of graduates from one school-university partnership. This project explored this issue through a review of relevant literature on effective teaching, components of quality teacher preparation programs, beginning teachers, mentoring and Professional Development Schools. How to best prepare teachers for the multi-faceted, challenging job that needs to be done has been a question that has faced universities and school districts for many years. With the growing numbers of veteran teachers now ready to retire and the increasing need for more teachers, the proportion between experienced and inexperienced teachers is …


Meeting The Professional Development Needs Of Early Childhood Teachers With Child Development Associate Training, Mary J. Heisner May 2008

Meeting The Professional Development Needs Of Early Childhood Teachers With Child Development Associate Training, Mary J. Heisner

Communication Sciences and Disorders Dissertations

This study examined the impact of Child Development Associate (CDA) training on the beliefs and self-reported practices of early childhood teachers (N = 126) using a pre-post mixed-methods research design. Preschool teachers who were enrolled in CDA classes (n=76) and a comparison group of teachers (n = 50) completed two surveys of beliefs and self-reported practices: the Teacher Beliefs and Practices Survey: 3- to 5-Year-Olds (TBPS) (Burts, Buchanan, & Benedict, 2001) and the Early Childhood Survey of Beliefs and Practices (ECSBP) (Marcon, 1988, 1999). Repeated measures Multiple Analyses of Variance indicated teachers who had completed CDA training became significantly more …


Investigating The Experience: A Case Study Of A Science Professional Development Program Based On Kolb's Experiential Learning Model, Brian Davis May 2008

Investigating The Experience: A Case Study Of A Science Professional Development Program Based On Kolb's Experiential Learning Model, Brian Davis

Middle-Secondary Education and Instructional Technology Dissertations

Professional development for educators has been defined as the process or processes by which teachers achieve higher levels of professional competence and expand their understanding of self, role, context and career (Duke and Stiggins, 1990). Currently, there is limited research literature that examines the effect a professional development course, which uses David Kolb’s experiential learning model, has on the professional growth and teaching practice of middle school science teachers. The purpose of this interpretive case study is to investigate how three science teachers who participated in the Rivers to Reef professional development course interpreted the learning experience and integrated the …


Interim Report: Pilot Project – Technology Integration In Underserved Schools Using Thinkfinity, Sandra G. Flank May 2008

Interim Report: Pilot Project – Technology Integration In Underserved Schools Using Thinkfinity, Sandra G. Flank

Cornerstone 1 Reports : Expansion and Enhancements of the Thinkfinity Platform

This pilot project was conceived as a way to enable teachers in schools with fewer technical resources than typical public schools, or with special needs for students and teachers, to explore and utilize the resources of Thinkfinity in lessons and activities.

The project will conclude at the end of May, 2008, and a final, complete report will be submitted at that time. This interim report will describe the assumptions of the project team, how the project was carried out, and highlights of the project to date.

The project team consists of the director of the Pace University Computer Learning Center, …


A Causal-Comparative Model For The Examination Of An Online Teacher Professional Development Program For An Elementary Agricultural Literacy Curriculum, Clay L. Rasmussen May 2008

A Causal-Comparative Model For The Examination Of An Online Teacher Professional Development Program For An Elementary Agricultural Literacy Curriculum, Clay L. Rasmussen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a teacher professional development program as measured by the extent that participants have continued to use lessons and materials up to three years after the professional development experience. The professional development program was delivered online and structured by five key characteristics of effective professional development.

Sixty-five participants of Food, Land, and People (FLP) professional development completed an online survey answering certain demographic variables and indicating the number of lessons and activities they had used from the FLP professional development. An implementation and continued use measurement model was …


A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Henry William St. Pierre Apr 2008

A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A School District's Mentoring / Professional Development Plan For Beginning Teachers, Henry William St. Pierre

Dissertations

The purpose of the study of the mentoring/ professional development program within the teaching profession was to determine the extent and perceived value of the existing formal mentoring program in the Fort Zumwalt School District. The study found that the district's mentoring and professional development program for new teachers is effective as perceived by both beginning teachers and their administrators. The instrument used in this study was a survey designed by the District and distributed to beginning teachers who finished their first year of teaching and the formal mentor program during the 2002-2003 through the 2006-2007 school years. Surveys were …


The Effect Of Sustained Principal Development On The Development And Maintenance Of Collaborative Activities In Schools., Sarah Westerberg Mar 2008

The Effect Of Sustained Principal Development On The Development And Maintenance Of Collaborative Activities In Schools., Sarah Westerberg

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the effect of sustained principal development through membership in the BYU Principals Academy on collaborative activities and teamwork in schools. Principals who participated in the BYU Principals Academy received preparation and training to assist in the development and maintenance of professional learning communities in their schools. A 39-item online survey that focused on attitudes and experiences with teamwork and collaboration was disseminated to 12 teachers at each school where the principal was a member of the Principals Academy and where e-mail addresses were available. In addition, a control group of teachers from schools where the principal had …


Creating The Path Together: A Case Study Of A Mathematics Professional Development Program For Teachers Of English Language Learners, Alison Marie Whittington Mar 2008

Creating The Path Together: A Case Study Of A Mathematics Professional Development Program For Teachers Of English Language Learners, Alison Marie Whittington

Dissertations

The purpose of this case study was to describe and analyze the Mathematics Access for Language Learners (MALL) professional development project. This project’s primary goal has been to provide teachers with the knowledge, strategies, tools, and materials to help make mathematics content accessible to their English Language Learner students. This study used case study methodology. Data was collected from archival records, participant observations, and interviews with project participants, facilitators, and the project director. The results and analysis of this study are provided through the framework of Bernice McCarthy’s 4MAT instructional model. The project is then analyzed to determine if it …


The Effects Of The Attainment Of Functional Assessment Skills By Preschool Teachers And Their Assistants On Students' Classr, Karen Wagner Jan 2008

The Effects Of The Attainment Of Functional Assessment Skills By Preschool Teachers And Their Assistants On Students' Classr, Karen Wagner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and each teacher prior to the onset of baseline data collection, over an approximate nine-week period. The video was taken in twelve-minute segments every day. Later, the …


The Perceptions Of Recently Assigned Secondary Religious Education Teachers, Chris Hackett Jan 2008

The Perceptions Of Recently Assigned Secondary Religious Education Teachers, Chris Hackett

Education Papers and Journal Articles

This article focuses on survey responses from newly appointed secondary Religious Education teachers from the first phase of a longitudinal study. The study was conducted in Catholic schools in three dioceses of Western Australia over two school years, from 1998 to 1999. The study focused on the teachers’ perceptions of implementing the Perth Archdiocesan Religious Education Units of Work. The article outlines briefly the demographic and professional backgrounds of recently appointed RE (RARE) teachers. Next, it reports upon how these teachers perceived their use of the instructional resources and teaching approach in the RE Units. The article then describes what …


A Two-Level Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis Of The Relationship Between Sustained, Targeted Professional Development For Teachers And Student Achievement In Mathematics, Anna Maria Tabernik Jan 2008

A Two-Level Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis Of The Relationship Between Sustained, Targeted Professional Development For Teachers And Student Achievement In Mathematics, Anna Maria Tabernik

ETD Archive

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001 put in place sweeping educational reforms targeted to raise school accountability for student achievement. Research has confirmed there is a distinct relationship between quality instruction and student learning, so one by-product of this reform movement is to provide every student with a high quality teacher, every year, in every classroom. This presents a challenge to school districts where teachers may not have the training and content knowledge necessary to raise the bar for students. Professional development has long been a routine service provided by school districts. In Ohio, however, with school …


Professional Development Topics For Marketing Education Teachers, Ashley E. Nunn Jan 2008

Professional Development Topics For Marketing Education Teachers, Ashley E. Nunn

OTS Master's Level Projects & Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the topics for professional development days for marketing education high school teachers. To solve this problem the following questions will be asked: 1) How are professional development workshops perceived by marketing education teachers? 2) What topics do marketing education teachers want to learn through professional development? 3) What are suggestions for improvement of professional development for marketing education teachers?


Advance, Georgia Southern Continuing Education Jan 2008

Advance, Georgia Southern Continuing Education

Advance

No abstract provided.


Triad Experiences: The Impact Of Joint Professional Development Forpre- And In- Service Science Teachers On Triad Dynamics, Todd Campbell, Kimberly H. Lott Jan 2008

Triad Experiences: The Impact Of Joint Professional Development Forpre- And In- Service Science Teachers On Triad Dynamics, Todd Campbell, Kimberly H. Lott

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

This presentation focuses on the results of in-depth phenomenological interviewing of triads involved in a pilot professional development project.


What Helps Law Professors Develop As Teachers? -- An Empirical Study, Gerald F. Hess, Sophie M. Sparrow Jan 2008

What Helps Law Professors Develop As Teachers? -- An Empirical Study, Gerald F. Hess, Sophie M. Sparrow

Law Faculty Scholarship

The overall goal of this article is to provide concrete suggestions for how law schools can improve teaching and enrich law student learning. In doing so, it reviews and analyzes the data collected from two national surveys about the kinds of faculty development activities that are most effective in improving law professors’ teaching. One survey was designed to quantify how many law teachers engaged in twenty-two types of teaching development activities over the previous five years and to assess the effectiveness of each of those activities. The other survey focused on the effectiveness of a national conference on teaching and …


Rural Superintendents: How Do Wyoming Rural Superintendents View And Respond To The Challenges Brought About By External Demands On Their Schools?, Jeanne L. Surface Jan 2008

Rural Superintendents: How Do Wyoming Rural Superintendents View And Respond To The Challenges Brought About By External Demands On Their Schools?, Jeanne L. Surface

Faculty Books and Monographs

Very little is known about how superintendents respond to and view the challenges brought about by increasing external performance demands on their schools. This important study uses a multi-case study format to create portraits of five rural superintendents, the challenges they face, and their responses to those challenges. The participant perceptions were organized into five themes: declining enrollment, isolation, board and community relations, celebrated accomplishments, and rural schools in contrast with urban or suburban schools. The superintendents were most proud of changes they had made to improve instruction in their districts. They spoke of challenges with bringing professional development to …


Engineering-Oriented Professional Development For Secondary Level Teachers: A Multiple Case Study Analysis, Jenny Lynn Daugherty Jan 2008

Engineering-Oriented Professional Development For Secondary Level Teachers: A Multiple Case Study Analysis, Jenny Lynn Daugherty

Dissertations

This study consisted of multiple case studies of selected professional development programs designed to prepare secondary teachers to deliver engineering-oriented education. The focus was on understanding the professional development design, fundamental content knowledge, essential pedagogies, unique challenges, and effective practices involved in this type of professional development. This was achieved by interviewing the leadership, instructors, and participating teachers; observing the in-person workshops; administering a survey to the teachers; and analyzing the project’s documentation. Five professional development programs were examined, including: Engineering the Future, Project Lead the Way, Mathematics Across the Middle School MST Curriculum, The Infinity Project, and INSPIRES. The …


Review Of The American Society For Engineering Education (Asee) Global Colloquium, Cape Town, South Africa, Philip A. Reed Jan 2008

Review Of The American Society For Engineering Education (Asee) Global Colloquium, Cape Town, South Africa, Philip A. Reed

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The following report addresses topics established by the Technical Foundation of America prior to attending the ASEE Global Colloquium October 19-24, 2008 in Cape Town South Africa. Specifically, this manuscript will address what the international engineering education community and the technology education community might have to offer each other. Responses appear below each of the three categories: impacts on curriculum, professional development, and collaboration.


A Case Study Of The Attributes Of Teacher Efficacy, Joanmarie Baggs Penney Jan 2008

A Case Study Of The Attributes Of Teacher Efficacy, Joanmarie Baggs Penney

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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A Research Review Of Technology In Early Childhood Education: Implications For Best Practice, Deanna Laverick, Kelly Heider, Deanna Gay Dec 2007

A Research Review Of Technology In Early Childhood Education: Implications For Best Practice, Deanna Laverick, Kelly Heider, Deanna Gay

Kelly Heider

The purpose of this review of research is to describe the integration of technology in the early childhood curriculum. The review presents issues surrounding the use of technology in early childhood education; synthesizes research findings on the impact of technology use on young children’s educational achievement; provides professionals in the field with instructional strategies for integrating technology in a variety of content areas within the early childhood curriculum; and shares recommendations for the developmentally appropriate and effective use of technology for young children. This review supports the professional growth of early childhood professionals by facilitating their understanding of research-based practices …