Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

PDF

Teacher Education and Professional Development

Theses/Dissertations

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Articles 1 - 30 of 48

Full-Text Articles in Education

Teachers' Perceived Influences On Technology Integration Decisions: A Grounded Theory On Instructional Decisions After Professional Development, Karen Larsen Greenhaus Jan 2014

Teachers' Perceived Influences On Technology Integration Decisions: A Grounded Theory On Instructional Decisions After Professional Development, Karen Larsen Greenhaus

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This qualitative grounded theory study explored teachers' instructional decisions around planning and practice for technology integration after participation in professional development. The purpose of this study was to determine how a long-term hybrid professional development experience influenced, if at all, math teachers' instructional decisions to integrate The Geometer's Sketchpad into their planning and classroom practice. There are several components for effective professional development suggested in the research literature. Professional development that is sustained over long periods of time, connected to teachers' practice, and provides active engagement in learning by participating teachers' is more likely to result in effective implementation of …


Curricular Pathways To Algebra I In Eighth Grade, Melinda Rose Griffin Jan 2014

Curricular Pathways To Algebra I In Eighth Grade, Melinda Rose Griffin

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


The Self On The Page: Using Student Teachers' Written Stories As A Reflective Tool During The Student Teaching Internship, Deborah O. Farina Jan 2013

The Self On The Page: Using Student Teachers' Written Stories As A Reflective Tool During The Student Teaching Internship, Deborah O. Farina

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Current traditional reflective practices in teacher preparation may be failing to address the needs of teacher candidates in terms of their identity formation as teachers. This qualitative study, utilizing a participant group of six graduate students in their student teaching internships at a small public liberal arts university, explored whether writing stories could enable student teachers to make better sense of their internship experiences and develop understanding of who they are as teachers. After an initial training session on "story," data were collected at three key points during the student teacher internship. This data consisted of participants' written stories, focus …


Relationship Between Teacher Self-Efficacy And Use Of Evidence-Based Practices In Managing Students With Challenging Behaviors, Sheila R. Carr Jan 2012

Relationship Between Teacher Self-Efficacy And Use Of Evidence-Based Practices In Managing Students With Challenging Behaviors, Sheila R. Carr

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Given the negative impact of students' challenging behaviors on the learning process, a need exists to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how teachers' beliefs, practices, and knowledge relate to their abilities to effectively manage classroom behaviors. Three-hundred and forty-two (342) public school (PK-12) teachers in a mid-Atlantic state responded to an on-line survey. Data were examined using correlational statistical analysis to measure the relationship between teachers' sense of efficacy (TSE) and use of evidenced-based practices (EBP) in managing students with challenging behaviors, teachers' use of EBP and how they value types/topics of professional development and years of teaching experience. …


Empathy As A Crucial Skill For Instructional Coaches: Can It Be Taught?, Carol B. Carter Jan 2012

Empathy As A Crucial Skill For Instructional Coaches: Can It Be Taught?, Carol B. Carter

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

When a coach empathetically listens to another person's ideas, thoughts, and concerns, the coach communicates that the other person's life is important and meaningful. This may be the most important service that a coach can provide. (Knight, 2007, p.43).;This study explored whether instructional coaches that completed the 20-hour Evocative Coaching model training program, which included specific training in empathy, significantly improved their emotional intelligence (EI). A mixed method design was employed. Quantitative analysis examined gain scores in an identical pretest and posttest measure of EI, using the EQmentor (Justice, 2010). The qualitative portion of the study addressed changes participants perceived …


Teacher Instructional Practices Designed To Meet The Individual Learning Needs Of Mathematically Gifted/Talented Students In Middle School Algebra I, Virginia Caine Tonneson Jan 2011

Teacher Instructional Practices Designed To Meet The Individual Learning Needs Of Mathematically Gifted/Talented Students In Middle School Algebra I, Virginia Caine Tonneson

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


Professional Development Practices In Literacy And Technology Integration At Socioeconomically Different Schools, Kendra M. Boykin Jan 2011

Professional Development Practices In Literacy And Technology Integration At Socioeconomically Different Schools, Kendra M. Boykin

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Socioeconomically disadvantaged and African American students consistently perform lower on literacy assessments that measure reading and writing achievement than their dominant culture peers. The changing nature of literacy itself is making this literacy problem even more challenging. Competencies for interacting in digital contexts, identified as new literacies, are necessary to effectively read, write, and communicate using the Internet and other information and communication technologies [ICTs]. According to extant literature, African Americans and socioeconomically disadvantaged students are more likely than their dominant culture peers to use digital technologies to build traditional literacy (Au, 2006; Harwood & Asal, 2007).;Teachers have an important …


Middle School Students' Participation In Extracurricular Activities: Relationships To School Identification And Achievement, Stenette Byrd Iii Jan 2011

Middle School Students' Participation In Extracurricular Activities: Relationships To School Identification And Achievement, Stenette Byrd Iii

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This study sought to build on existing research in the areas of student extracurricular activity participation, school identification, and improvement of student achievement. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of extracurricular activity participation and school identification upon one another and their combined and individual contributions to the goal of student achievement.;The study was conducted using archival data from the 2009-2010 school year along with data from a survey that target extracurricular activity participation and school identification. Data were analyzed for a sample of 314 students out of a population of over 900 in Grades 6, 7, …


Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect: The Impact On Academic Self-Concept, Peter O. Kwiterovich Iii Jan 2011

Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect: The Impact On Academic Self-Concept, Peter O. Kwiterovich Iii

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on the self-concept of students when they transitioned into an academically selective independent middle school. The sample consisted of 107 middle school students in an all-boys independent school in the northeast United States. Data on students' general self-concept, academic self-concept and domain specific academic self-concepts were collected using the Academic Self-Description Questionnaire I and II.;Four hypotheses were tested: 1) Newly enrolled students to the all-boys middle school will initially experience significantly more negative domain specific academic self-concepts than students who are returning or have been promoted from within the school; …


A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study Of Teacher Effectiveness: Analyses Of Award-Winning Teachers In The United States And China, Xianxuan Xu Jan 2011

A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study Of Teacher Effectiveness: Analyses Of Award-Winning Teachers In The United States And China, Xianxuan Xu

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


Literacy Coaching And Teachers' Instructional Practices: The Impact Of The Community Coaching Cohort Model, Sara Elizabeth Miller Jan 2010

Literacy Coaching And Teachers' Instructional Practices: The Impact Of The Community Coaching Cohort Model, Sara Elizabeth Miller

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to understand the effect of literacy coaching as a vehicle for professional development and growth by describing the impact of the Community Coaching Cohort Model on teachers' instructional literacy practices. Using a qualitative case study design, four questions were answered pertaining to participants' feelings and perceptions about the coaching model, how their experience impacted their knowledge and skills about literacy as well as the instruction in their classroom, and the impact their learning had on their students. Four cohorts of teachers in two schools from a large suburban district were used to complete the …


Self -Efficacy Beliefs Of Elementary General Education Teachers In Inclusive Classrooms And The Role Of Professional Development, Sheila S. Ashley Jan 2009

Self -Efficacy Beliefs Of Elementary General Education Teachers In Inclusive Classrooms And The Role Of Professional Development, Sheila S. Ashley

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

In an effort to provide greater access and progress in the general education curriculum and higher levels of standards proficiency for students with disabilities, school districts across the nation have substantially increased placements in inclusive classroom settings. This thrust has significantly challenged and frustrated general educators due to their perceptions of incompetence related to meeting the needs of students with disabilities in the absence of appropriate training and support.;This study used mixed-methods research to explore differences in general educators' self-efficacy beliefs based on IEP-identified students' learning or behavioral challenges; variation in classroom practice between high and low self-efficacy teachers relative …


Teacher Self -Efficacy And Beliefs For Teaching Mathematics In Inclusive Settings, Pamela Wilson Aerni Jan 2008

Teacher Self -Efficacy And Beliefs For Teaching Mathematics In Inclusive Settings, Pamela Wilson Aerni

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this mixed-design study was to determine if mathematics teachers experienced changes in their self-efficacy and beliefs about their ability to teach students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. The intervention for this study was a 14-month professional development program that consisted of content and methods courses taught during two-week intervals during the summer on the campus of The College of William and Mary followed by specific professional development activities provided by a team of math specialists/facilitators with expertise in mathematics curriculum, instruction, and assessment as well as special education services including inclusive education models. Teachers participating in …


Cooperating Teaching As A Professional Development Activity, Trina Lorraine Spencer Jan 2007

Cooperating Teaching As A Professional Development Activity, Trina Lorraine Spencer

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


An Exploratory Study Of Teachers' Critical Thinking In Elementary Language Arts Classrooms, Susan Mcgowan Jan 2007

An Exploratory Study Of Teachers' Critical Thinking In Elementary Language Arts Classrooms, Susan Mcgowan

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This exploratory study examined how well elementary language arts teachers participating in a federal project to raise students' critical thinking abilities scored on tests of critical and creative thinking. Furthermore, it investigated the ways in which these teachers of the language arts have developed their understanding of critical thinking skills, what types of training they bring to the classroom which might enhance the teaching of critical thinking skills, and the methods by which they foster critical thinking in the classroom. Finally, this study examined the relationship among teacher scores on critical and creative thinking tests, their professional development hours, and …


Talent Development In The Performing Arts: Teacher Characteristics, Behaviors, And Classroom Practices, Bess B. Worley Jan 2006

Talent Development In The Performing Arts: Teacher Characteristics, Behaviors, And Classroom Practices, Bess B. Worley

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


Perceptions Of Virginia Beginning Special Educators Regarding The Frequency And Helpfulness Of Mentoring Activities, Alice Claire Culotta Giacobbe Jan 2003

Perceptions Of Virginia Beginning Special Educators Regarding The Frequency And Helpfulness Of Mentoring Activities, Alice Claire Culotta Giacobbe

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


Collaborative Practices In Schools: The Impact Of School -Based Leadership Teams On Inclusive Education, Lisa Jo Vernon Jan 2003

Collaborative Practices In Schools: The Impact Of School -Based Leadership Teams On Inclusive Education, Lisa Jo Vernon

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.


An Investigation Of The National Staff Development Council's Standards Of Staff Development, Wendy Clark Krickovic Jan 2002

An Investigation Of The National Staff Development Council's Standards Of Staff Development, Wendy Clark Krickovic

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The major purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between teaching practice, student achievement, and the degree to which professional development in low-achieving elementary schools in one suburban Virginia district met the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) standards. Research methods included a self-assessment survey developed by NSDC, teacher interviews, and analyses of student achievement scores using the Virginia Standards of Learning assessments. According to survey results, participating teachers agreed that the NSDC standards were reflected in professional development activities. The standards of Equity and Quality Teaching were reported to be implemented to the greatest degree in professional development …


A Study Of Professional Development At Three Midwestern, Urban, Public, Elementary Schools With Increased Student Achievement In Reading, Valerie Hastings Gregory Jan 2002

A Study Of Professional Development At Three Midwestern, Urban, Public, Elementary Schools With Increased Student Achievement In Reading, Valerie Hastings Gregory

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This study investigated principals' and teachers' perceptions about professional development and conditions for change. Specifically, the following research questions were answered: (1) How do principals describe professional development at their schools? (2) What professional development experiences did teachers report as having an effect on their teaching practice? and (3) What common factors or conditions did teachers at the three schools report as influencing whether they change their classroom practices after participating in professional development initiatives?;Data collection incorporated both qualitative and quantitative methodologies using principal interviews and teacher surveys. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze and describe professional development type …


Teacher Efficacy And Behavior: Their Relationship And Impact On Student Learning, Linda Diane Avery Jan 1999

Teacher Efficacy And Behavior: Their Relationship And Impact On Student Learning, Linda Diane Avery

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purposes of this study were to explore the relationships between teacher efficacy and changes in teacher behavior and student learning espoused by the standards-based reform movement and to examine the impact of a curriculum innovation on student learning and teacher efficacy The study was designed to target sophisticated pedagogical behavior associated with setting high learner expectations.;The context for the research was a federally funded project to develop and implement model lessons in elementary social studies in an urban setting. The sample was comprised of 25 experimental and 17 comparison teachers. Instrumentation included two measures of teacher efficacy, two measures …


Increasing Teachers' And Parents' Awareness Of Indicators Of Giftedness In Economically Disadvantaged Students, Clifton Gadberry Payne Jr. Jan 1998

Increasing Teachers' And Parents' Awareness Of Indicators Of Giftedness In Economically Disadvantaged Students, Clifton Gadberry Payne Jr.

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Low socioeconomic students represent a population in public schools which is underrepresented and underserved in the talented and gifted programs. Part of the problem may be due to teachers' and parents' abilities to recognize giftedness in economically disadvantaged potentially gifted students and to nominate them for a gifted screening.;The present study attempted to determine if a training program for teachers and parents would increase the valid referral rate of potentially gifted economically disadvantaged students. Teachers at one school received an oral presentation and written summation of economically disadvantaged potentially gifted student characteristics. Teachers at a second school received the written …


Performance Of School-Age Children Of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure: Five Case Studies, Susan Larson Wallace Jan 1996

Performance Of School-Age Children Of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure: Five Case Studies, Susan Larson Wallace

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine the social and learning performance of school age children of prenatal cocaine exposure. The Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) was used along with interviews, observations and document analysis for each individual case studied. The data collected through these methods was coded and examined for patterns and relationships in each case, and across cases.;Data analysis revealed that each case varied in the effects exhibited on a continuum from subtle to severe, as indicated in the literature. Social and behavioral patterns appeared to be most severely affected, while the language area was found …


School-University Partnerships: An Exploration Of The Relationship, Daisy Bertha Wood Jan 1996

School-University Partnerships: An Exploration Of The Relationship, Daisy Bertha Wood

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of a particular model for collaboration when applied to a successful school-university partnership. A specific framework for establishing and maintaining successful school-university partnerships, proposed by Frank Wilbur of Syracuse University, was identified in the literature. Wilbur's model was selected as the conceptual framework for this study since it contains critical elements supported by at least four other researchers studying and writing on collaborative endeavors and was, in fact, the most comprehensive of any of the suggested conceptual frameworks. The answer to one overall research question was sought: to what extent …


The Relationship Among Professional Recommendations, Certification Standards And Preservice Program Requirements In Early Childhood Special Education, Lisa Gaye Fore Jan 1992

The Relationship Among Professional Recommendations, Certification Standards And Preservice Program Requirements In Early Childhood Special Education, Lisa Gaye Fore

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among competencies recommended by the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC/CEC), state requirements for teacher certification, and college and university personnel preparation program requirements for educators working with children with disabilities from birth-5 years of age. The study included all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The groups of subjects interviewed by phone consisted of state Part H coordinators, department of education staff, and college and university professors from early childhood education (ECSE) programs.;Overall the results indicate an increase in the number of states …


A Study Of Teachers' Instructional Planning As Revealed By An Analysis Of Objectives, Strategies And Indicators Of Student Achievement, Barbara Sewell Davis Jan 1992

A Study Of Teachers' Instructional Planning As Revealed By An Analysis Of Objectives, Strategies And Indicators Of Student Achievement, Barbara Sewell Davis

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate teachers' planning through an analysis of objectives, strategies, and indicators of student achievement to answer six research questions. The questions were related to the following topics: congruence of content in objectives and congruence of the types of assessment among teachers in school systems using the same textbook; levels of student behavior indicated in the teachers' objectives; the types of strategies and activities used to implement the objectives; the types of indicators of student achievement selected by teachers; and, the levels at which test items were written as related to the levels of …


The Current Attitudes Of Principals And Teachers Regarding Mainstreaming In Virginia Middle-Level Schools, Janice Landmesser Farley Jan 1991

The Current Attitudes Of Principals And Teachers Regarding Mainstreaming In Virginia Middle-Level Schools, Janice Landmesser Farley

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This study investigated the relationship between the attitudes of principals and teachers toward mainstreaming and the level of comfort participants felt toward special education and mainstreaming. Sixty-five large and small middle schools from the state of Virginia were randomly selected to participate in this study. Participants completed demographic/information sheets, the Attitude Towards Mainstreaming Scale (ATMS), and the Comfortability Scale for Special Education (CSSE). Data were analyzed using statistical methods.;The following research questions were explored (1) do the current attitudes of school personnel differ from previous findings, (2) does a middle level principal's attitude relate to a middle level teacher's attitude, …


An Exception To The Rule: Bank Street College Of Education As An Independent Professional School (1916-1990), Jane M. Bailey Jan 1991

An Exception To The Rule: Bank Street College Of Education As An Independent Professional School (1916-1990), Jane M. Bailey

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This historical case study of Bank Street College of Education examines the organizational arrangement of an independent professional school as an alternative to standard college/university-based schools of education. Bank Street College of Education claims to be a school with a clear, purposeful mission that is organized in a free-standing arrangement. This study tests the efficacy of that claim by looking at five criteria for schools of education: clear mission, strong leadership, consonant external relations, mission-supported research, and strong structure; over five periods of time.;Using Burton Clark's (1971) theory of organizational saga and Grant and Riesman's (1978) notion that an organization …


The Relationship Between Cooperating Teachers' Feedback Styles And The Intrinsic Motivation Of Student Teachers, Richard Newton Weber Jan 1991

The Relationship Between Cooperating Teachers' Feedback Styles And The Intrinsic Motivation Of Student Teachers, Richard Newton Weber

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

This research sought to answer the question: Does the relationship between supervisors' feedback styles and supervisees' levels of intrinsic motivation and the subscales of intrinsic motivation, found in other settings, exist in student teaching? The sample consisted of 252 student teachers from Old Dominion University and their cooperating teachers. This group included all of the spring, 1991, semester student teachers who chose to participate (30 chose not to) and represented a wide variety of cultural and economic backgrounds.;A correlational methodology was used, employing Pearson's r values for the relationships between cooperating teachers' feedback styles as measured on the Cooperating Teacher …


A National Study Of Professional Standards In Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs Using The Standards Adopted By The National Council For Accreditation Of Teacher Education And The Council For Exceptional Children, Dawn Colleen Johnson Waegerle Jan 1990

A National Study Of Professional Standards In Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs Using The Standards Adopted By The National Council For Accreditation Of Teacher Education And The Council For Exceptional Children, Dawn Colleen Johnson Waegerle

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

Teacher preparation programs in special education are responding to demands for quality. Sources inside and outside the field of education have called for change. In 1986, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation redesign was implemented. The Council For Exceptional Children (CEC) adopted Standards for the Preparation of Special Education Personnel in 1983 and these standards for special education programs have become a part of the NCATE redesign. This study proposes to answer the question of whether these professional standards and the NCATE redesign have had a direct impact on masters level special education teacher preparation program …