Education Commons^™

Improving Adult Learners’ Experience With Continuing Professional Education: A Transformational Path To Andragogy, Sylvain Gagne

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The topic of this organizational improvement plan is to improve the learning satisfaction of adult learners in professional programs who return to universities to attend formal academic courses or programmes in class while pursuing their employment. Its purpose is to promote and support the teaching faculty involved in such courses and programmes in adopting andragogical methods to support those adult learners and improve their learning experience. The research is informed organizational leadership, organizational change, and by andragogic theories. This study will impact adult learners, teaching faculty, administrators, and organizational culture as it relates to Continuing Professional Education (CPE), with particular …

Through A Prism: A Reflection Of The Culture Of Leadership, Catherine A. Beaton Ms

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Leadership in education presents from both an informal and formal change agent perspective. An exploration of how an informal leader from a constructivist leadership stance could effect change through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in a hierarchical organization was undertaken. Using Bolman and Deal’s (2013) theoretical frames to develop an understanding of the lens through which people view the workings within an educational institute, I chose to use Cawsey, Deszca, and Ingles’ (2016) Change Path Model to develop an organizational change plan. The plan is to attempt to effect change through Professional Learning Communities. Using the Provincial Education Program of Studies, …

Increasing Teacher Capacity In Supporting Student Mental Health, Mary Louise Ireland

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Abstract

Increasing rates of adolescent anxiety and depression present new challenges for educators. This requires educators to increase their capacity to meet the unique learning needs of students with mental health concerns. The Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) explores this problem of practice, targeting improved teacher ability to understand student mental health, to recognize the signs of distress, and to employ teaching strategies and practices to accommodate learning needs. The notion that academic functioning is tied to mental health functioning in a bi-directional relationship (Powers, Bower, Webber & Martinson, 2011) underscores the need for teachers to be equipped with a greater …

Curriculum Congruence Of An Hr Baccalaureate Degree Program To Industry Requirements, Wesley D. Sallenback

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Undergraduate students of business commonly view their time in school as a career-readying training ground preparatory to advancing into professional practice within industry settings. In preparing learners for success beyond the classroom, it is critical for post-secondary institutions (PSIs) to demonstrate alignment between program curriculum and workplace knowledge and skill requirements. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) outlines a potential solution to improve the relevance of business degree programming (at a large, Canadian-based, polytechnic institution), according to marketplace requirements. More narrowly, this OIP presents a process of program review which not only ensures alignment of program curricula and workplace-required competencies, but …

Aboriginal Offender Parole Outcomes, Truman Paul Tremblay

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This paper outlines an Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) and addresses a current Problem of Practice (PoP) in Aboriginal federal corrections. The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is a federal department mandated by the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. Notably, this Act mandates the CSC to be responsive to the special needs of Aboriginal offenders. Aboriginal offenders have long been over-represented within the Canadian corrections system; consequently, there is tremendous pressure on the CSC to address the gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal offenders. The PoP considers the role of the Aboriginal Initiatives Directorate within CSC and describes the impact …

Enhancing Employability Skill Sets: The Obligation Of Community Colleges To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Their Parts, Linda C. Hill Ms.

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The pressure upon post-secondary institutions in Ontario to address the persistent gap between the employability skill sets of their graduates and the changing needs of the modern workplace has never been greater. Forces such as the complexities of participating in a globally competitive economy, and advancements in information and communication technologies have shifted workplace expectations. Parents, students, and employers want to be assured that a diploma is indicative of the full range of skill sets necessary to achieve entry into a chosen occupation. The case method of analysis was used to examine one college’s quality assurance strategies for teaching and …

Improving Principal Professional Practice Through Communities Of Practice, Lisa Clarke

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Project (OIP) explores a problem of practice (PoP) where the Association Office (AO), within a large, private school district (District), wishes to facilitate professional development of leadership skills, collaboration, and cooperation amongst the principals. Perspectives on the problem are gained through a thorough assessment of the District and its existing culture and practices. In addition, this OIP examines the District’s readiness for change and how both the internal and external forces for change can be used to create momentum to address the PoP. Various leadership approaches, including adaptive, agile, and servant leadership, and possible solutions are considered …

Democratic Implementation Of Anywhere, Anytime, Anyway Learning Through Blended Synchronous Delivery In A Postsecondary Institution In Canada, Donald Moen

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This organizational improvement plan considers the implementation of anywhere, anytime, anyway learning in the context of competing stakeholder values in a postsecondary institution in Canada. Quinn’s (1983) competing values framework is used to juxtapose the values of students, faculty members, innovators and administrators in the context of educational technology implementation (Yang & Melitski, 2007). A case for anywhere, anytime, anyway learning through web-conferencing in a blended online format is made to each group in the context of that group’s value system. Bourdieu’s (1984) forms of capital are used: administrators valuing economic capital, faculty members valuing cultural capital, and students valuing …

Flourishing Firefighters: A Plan For Optimal Organizational Deviance Using Healthy Human Systems, Sajel Bellon

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The purpose of this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) is to offer the potential groundwork to enhance the current support services of a union representing firefighters in Canada. The hope is to address the growing number of firefighters that are afflicted with Occupational Stress Injuries (OSI) and to provide a more comprehensive positive approach to mitigate the psychological effects and professional ramifications of the consistent exposure to traumatic events and other associated occupational stressors. The aim is to leverage the existing structure and resources to address the Problem of Practice (PoP): How can union leaders effectively address the increasing prevalence of …

Organizational Improvement Plan For Eliminating A Need For Alternative Programs By Way Of A Paradigm Shift, Sam J. Oh Neill Mr

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

The problem of practice in this organizational improvement plan (OIP) is that the existence of Alternative Programs impedes progress to meaningful school change. The school board is moving toward a paradigm shift as indicated through a number of initiatives discussed in this OIP. This OIP was developed through a review of the literature on: Alternative Education, attitudes toward students labelled at-risk and through an examination of documents produced and disseminated by the Ministry. This OIP takes social critique perspective (Furman, 2004; Starratt, 2004) to understand purposes for referring students to Alternative Programs within the current paradigm. This OIP also explores …

Navigating The Changing Landscape Of Early Education Within A Preschool Setting, Heather L. Beaudin

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

Abstract

Currently, early education in Ontario is rapidly transforming to meet the diverse needs and demands of children, educators and families. With each change that the sector experiences leaders in early childhood education are called to guide their team through the change process. One recent change that leaders have been faced with is the implementation of Full-Day Kindergarten across the province and its impact on child care programs. Considering the wide range of child care programs that have been affected by Full-Day Kindergarten, this Organizational Improvement Plan explores a significant problem of practice: how can key stakeholders within a child …

How School And School Board Leaders Can Increase The Sense Of Social Belonging For Students With Developmental Disabilities Who Exhibit Challenging Behaviour, Kathleen Sutherland

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan seeks to understand how school and school board leaders at Ontario Catholic District School Board (OCDSB) can increase the sense of social belonging for students with Developmental Disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviour. Bolman and Deal’s (2013) Four Frames model and Maslow’s (1943) Hierarchy of Needs are the frameworks used that assist in identifying potential factors that may be impeding the organization from achieving change. A PESTE analysis as presented by Cawsey, Deszca, and Ingols (2016) is conducted that outlines the political, economic, social, technological, and environmental factors that impact this Problem of Practice. These factors and …

Creating A Safe, Caring And Inclusive School Environment Through A Code Of Conduct That Is Educative, Preventative And Restorative In Practice And Response., John Robert Esliger

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

In 2004, the province of British Columbia introduced the Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools guide to provide the vision toward which all schools and Boards in the province must continually strive (BCEd., 2008a). As a leading document, this guide provided provincial standards for codes of conduct while also identifying attributes of safe, caring and orderly schools. As stated in the guide’s introduction, the challenge is for schools, districts and communities to develop or adopt strategies and programs that will work for them (BCEd., 2008a). Acknowledging that local solutions to address local problems are required, this Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) explores …

Re-Imagining A Learning Program For New Faculty: An Opportunity To Enhance Institutional Capacity, Carol A. Appleby

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This case study of one Ontario, mid-sized community college explores collaborative leadership processes and practices to shift the structure and conceptualization of a learning program for newly hired faculty members from a prescribed, linear model to a self-directed, multi-modal program. Examining organizational structure, institutional culture, adult learning theory, and systems thinking, the question, how can a professional development program best support new faculty in their teaching practice and new role, is addressed. The Change Path Model, grassroots and relational leadership practices are strategies utilized to guide the process for change. A distributed leadership approach is advocated to share decision making, …

Exploring The Leadership Necessary To Develop Teacher Efficacy For Working With Marginalized Students In Support Of Improved Student Success: Helping Teachers Develop Both The Skill And The Will To Do So, Diane C. Charles

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

My OIP examines the leadership essential for principals to develop teacher efficacy in working with marginalized student populations. Data suggests disconnects between a District vision of success for all and actual student success rates of marginalized students. Research shows that teacher self-efficacy (TSE) and collective teacher efficacy (CTE) correlates directly to student success. Ignoring efficacy as a construct when working to develop teachers is something that must not continue. Principals have a lead role to play.

Research on efficacy identifies instructional and transformational leadership practices by principals as influential. Efficacy is a contextual construct. As such, I share an integrated …

Supporting Department Chairs As Educational Leaders In A Polytechnic Context, Jennifer Marran

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) presents a possible solution to improve support for department chairs at a large polytechnic institution in Canada. It takes into consideration the unique situation where chairs are often hired directly from industry with little or no background in pedagogy/andragogy or postsecondary education and do not have teaching or research duties as part of their responsibilities. More specifically, this OIP focuses on the institutional Educational Development Centre’s (EDC) role in supporting chairs and addresses the following Problem of Practice: Department chairs at this institution do not receive consistent and purposeful training to support them in their …

Resiliency: The Implementation Of A Strategic Framework, Michael L. Allegretti

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

As the incidences and complexity of student mental health continue to rise, there is an emphasis on the need to review the first year experience to ensure that students are prepared for the challenges they will face in post-secondary education. Institutions attempt to address the concern of student mental health by increasing the scope and number of student supports, both formal and informal, in the context of decreasing budgets and increasing student expectations. Despite institutional efforts, students continue to report confusion about available services and an increased desire for specialized supports.

This OIP uses various leadership approaches and methods of …

Increasing Success: Strategies To Address Factors Affecting Student Retention From First To Second Year At A Canadian, Undergraduate, Liberal Arts University, Tracy L.A. Cunningham

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

As demographics shift, student retention and attrition rates are increasingly becoming of greater concern to the overall viability and longevity of post-secondary institutions. This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) examines some of the challenges faced by a small, liberal arts, faith-based university in southern Ontario which, in recent years, have impacted its enrolment and retention from first to second year. With some of the probable challenges identified, the study provides a strategy for guiding institutional change and possible solutions which may aid in the encouragement and support of continued enrolment from those students who would normally be at risk for withdrawing. …

Changing School Culture To Engage Disengaged Students, Trisha E. Sotropa

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) examines how formal leaders (including principals and vice principals) and informal school leaders (such as influential teachers) can provide opportunities for greater engagement in the learning process for all students by changing the culture (Schein, 2010) of an increasingly diverse Alberta school. Educational leaders beliefs and assumptions about the purpose of education and the roles of teachers and students will impact their beliefs about student engagement (Vibert & Shields, 2003) in both teacher-led curricular and extracurricular activities. Several recent surveys, including surveys in Alberta schools (Learning Bar, 2016) and larger surveys in the United States …

Development And Leadership Of A Faculty-Led Academic Integrity Education Program At An Ontario College, Evelyn J. Holmes Miss

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) presents a faculty-driven organizational response to the problem of inconsistent understanding and practice of academic integrity at an Ontario college. The College works from the definition of academic integrity as a commitment, even in the face of conflict, to its six fundamental values of courage, fairness, honesty, respect, responsibility, and trust (International Center for Academic Integrity, 2014). However, teaching students how to translate the six values of academic integrity into actions and behaviors poses a challenge for faculty at the College. Adding to the complexity of the challenge is the College’s organizational focus on social …

Building Leadership Capacities Through Course Development Planning At A Conventional University, Tina R. Goertz

The Dissertation-in-Practice at Western University

This Organizational Improvement Plan (OIP) looks at reducing the resistance found when faculty members are asked to use a systematic plan for online course development. The course development plan is a framework that is built around the concept of “backwards design” (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005). Backwards design makes all items congruent—the assessments to the activities, activities to the instructions, and instructions to topics and learning outcomes. The literature review within the context of this OIP, found that course development planning lacks flexibility, creates anxieties with faculty members, is time consuming, and organizational faculty development support is limited and/or inadequate. To …