Education Commons^™

Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Perceptions Of Proof In The Secondary Mathematics Classroom, Gregory S. C. Hine, Kristin Lesseig, Kaleinani S. Boardman

Gregory S.C. Hine

Readiness To Teach Secondary Mathematics: A Study Of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Self-Perceptions, Gregory S. C. Hine, Thuan Thai

Gregory S.C. Hine

Student Leadership Program Evaluations: A Longitudinal Case Study, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Investigating The Development Of Adolescent Leadership Potential: A Longitudinal Case Study, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Are There Any Winners In High-Stakes Testing? A Qualitative Case Study Exploring Student, Parent And Teacher Attitudes Towards Naplan Numeracy Tests In Years 3 And 5, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Investigating Declining Enrolments In Secondary Mathematics, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

The Importance Of Action Research In Teacher Education Programs : Three Testimonies, Gregory Hine, Shane D. Lavery

Gregory S.C. Hine

This paper explores the experiences of three teacher-researchers, 'Simone', 'Damian' and 'Michael', who undertook an Action Research project in their respective schools as part of their postgraduate studies. As Head of Professional Learning, Simone conducted a research project designed to investigate how to improve a Peer Observation Program at her secondary school. Damian, also a Head of Professional Learning, explored ways to improve the profile of the existing Professional Development program at his secondary school, with a particular emphasis on overhauling the Staff Mentor Program. Michael, a Head of Junior School, investigated ways to reduce the number of playground incidents …

Improving The Mathematical Content Knowledge Of Pre-Service Middle School Teachers, Gregory Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

The tertiary training of pre-service teachers is pivotal in their professional preparation and formation as qualified educators. Multiple authors posit that teachers require a development of pedagogical content knowledge, or knowing a variety of ways to present mathematical content and to assist students to deepen their understanding (Chick, 2012; Shulman, 1987). Emerick, Hirsch and Berry (2003) argue that high quality teachers must possess appropriate mathematical content knowledge, and must also possess considerable background in communicating effectively to students. There are two aims of this educational research. The first is to investigate the self-perceptions of pre-service middle school teachers enrolled in …

Action Research: Informing Professional Practice Within Schools, Gregory Hine, Shane D. Lavery

Gregory S.C. Hine

This research paper explores the experiences of three teacher-researchers, ‘Simone’, ‘Damian’ and ‘Michael’, who undertook an action research project in their respective schools as part of their postgraduate studies. The paper initially outlines the construct of action research in the light of its applicability to educational research. Particular reference is made to the benefits of action research for those in the teaching profession as well as to several challenges associated with action research. What then follows is the design of the case study methodology that was used to examine the individual experiences of Simone, Damian and Michael. The research used …

Self-Perceptions Of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers Completing A Graduate Diploma Of Secondary Education, Gregory S.C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

This qualitative research project explored the self-perceptions of pre-service secondary mathematics teachers completing a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education. Specifically, the researcher investigated the extent to which teachers perceived their readiness to commence a secondary mathematics teaching position. The project relied principally on the use of a single, 10-item, qualitative research instrument that was used repeatedly and flexibly over time. Participants were asked to complete two questionnaires; one was administered before and after their Teaching Internship Practicum. Responses from all participants indicated varying degrees of readiness to teach secondary mathematics. An analysis of participant responses suggests three key findings: pre-service …

Preparing Secondary Mathematics Teachers: A Review Of Research, Gregory Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

The international literature base concerning the preparation of pre-service secondary mathematics teachers has grown steadily over the past two decades, yet there appears to be no consensus on a best practice approach. A review of three research projects (2 American; 1 Australian) that focus on different aspects of secondary mathematics teacher preparation provides consideration for universitieswishing to strengthen existing programs.

Student Leadership In Catholic Schools: A Matter Of Service!, Gregory Hine, Shane D. Lavery

Gregory S.C. Hine

Schools are elementary breeding grounds for student leadership development. School principals, by virtue of their standing in their school, have a pivotal role in facilitating student leadership development initiative s. In essence, they are stewards of student leadership (Lavery & Hine, 2012). This paper examines the notion of student leadership from the standpoint of eight Catholic secondary school principals. It initially explores their perception of the ethos underpinning student leadership. On this point, all principals posited that servant leadership must be the overarching model informing student leadership. The paper then investigates those ways these principals perceived student leadership functioning in …

Principals: Catalysts For Promoting Student Leadership, Shane D. Lavery, Gregory S C Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

The role of the principal is pivotal in the development of student leadership within schools. As well as assuming a heavy administrative workload and undertaking numerous complex and time-absorbing responsibilities, the principal plays a significant part in facilitating student leadership development initiatives—in essence, this person becomes the steward of student leadership. This stewardship most often takes one of two forms: through direct or indirect involvement. A principal advocating stewardship through direct involvement is personally engaged in leadership activities, and works closely with student leaders. By contrast, indirect involvement requires the principal to empower colleagues with the responsibility of personally engaging …

Exploring The Need For Improvement In A Student Leadership Program, Gregory Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Despite the importance of adolescent leadership development, little research has examined how to improve such programs within a school context. The intention of this article is to explore how one Catholic secondary school developed leadership potential in young adolescents, and how such efforts can be refned and improved in the future. The primary methods for collecting data included focus groups interviews, researcher field notes, and researcher reflective journaling. Based upon these data, the author conceptualised the strengths and shortcomings of the program of leadership being pursued consciously or implicitly by the school, by examining the perspectives held by those students …

Catholic School Principals: Promoting Student Leadership, Shane D. Lavery, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Adolescents possess enormous leadership potential. They are tomorrow’s leaders in the workplace, the family, the community, and in government. Increasingly, schools have taken on the significant responsibility of nurturing leadership in young people. Schools are, as van Linden and Fertman (1998) have noted, “hotbeds of leadership development” (p. 224). This article explores the role and function of the secondary school principal in developing student leadership. Specifically, eight principals of secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia were interviewed about their vision of student leadership and what they saw their role as in promoting student leadership at their schools. As a prelude, …

Finding Ways To Effectively Use Year 12 Achievement Data To Inform Practice In Secondary Schools, Frank Italiano, Gregory Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

This qualitative research explored how Year 12 achievement data were used by school personnel to inform practice within seven Catholic secondary schools. Deputy Principals of Curriculum from participating schools were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the improvement of Year 12 student achievement outcomes, and their insights into how to strengthen future efforts (or achievements). Three key insights included: Communication of achievement data to key stakeholders in the school community, strategic use of achievement data by teaching staff, and leadership strategies to promote an achievement culture to the students. The findings of this research will serve to improve and strengthen practice …

The Importance Of Action Research In Teacher Education Programs, Gregory S. C. Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

Book Review: Paul Collins, Believers: Does Australian Catholicism Have A Future?, University Of New South Wales Press, 2008, Gregory Hine

Gregory S.C. Hine

The text Believers: Does Australian Catholicism Have a Future? explores the historical, contemporary, and present role of Roman Catholicism within Australian society. Central to six engaging, challenging, and perhaps controversial chapters is the question: “Is the Church in a state of decline within Australia?” In his book Paul Collins highlights certain aspects of Australian culture and society that have flourished due to the influence of the Church, and critically examines some factors attributed to the apparent “failure” of Catholicism to permeate this same culture fully. Despite his criticism of the localized Church, the author remains optimistic for the future of …