Education Commons^™

The Effect Of Outlines, Headings And Summaries On The Recall Of Informational Text, John S. Latham

Theses : Honours

The purpose of this study was to investigate various text-based ways of assisting Year Seven readers to enhance their recall of informational texts. The theory that was tested in this investigation is that text-based reading aids which secure the activation and rehearsal of relevant form and/or content schemata for written texts will enhance the recall of the content and structure of those texts. To investigate the comparative impact of the text conditions, 105 Year Seven students from a large primary school in a northern suburb of the Perth Metropolitan Area were ranked on the basis of their reading comprehension scores. …

Student Perceptions In A Social Studies Classroom, Maria Darby

Theses : Honours

This study describes differential student perceptions towards Social Studies in a high school classroom. A case study approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data gathering techniques, was used to collect data by seeking individual students' perceptions of the classroom environment, the teacher, classroom instruction and the Social Studies subject content. Social Studies education in Western Australia has been guided by the Social Studies K-10 Syllabus which has been implemented for almost 10 years. In 1990 a comprehensive review of the curriculum was commissioned by the Ministry of Education and undertaken by Print (1990a). This study found that a need existed …

The Perceived Effects Of A Performance Management Programme On The Professional Knowledge Attitudes And Behaviour Of Temporary Teachers At A Metropolitan High School, Shiralee Jayne Donaldson

Theses : Honours

During 1988 the Temporary Teacher Performance Management Programme was introduced in Western Australian State high schools by the Ministry of Education. The purpose of the programme was to provide all temporary teachers with access to a full performance management process, Including an Induction and appraisal suitable to their background and the amount of time they have spent at the school. This case study involved eight temporary teachers from a metropolitan high school. It examined their perceptions of the nature, function, determining factors and need for modification of the Temporary Teacher Performance Management Programme. The major question underlying the research was …

Characteristics That Determine The Holding Power Of Computer-Based Exhibits At Scitech Discovery Centre, Victoria Dodds

Theses : Honours

Scitech Discovery Centre is a hands-on science and technology centre located in the city West Complex, West Perth. The centre contains over 160 interactive exhibits including a number of computer-based exhibits that cover topics not easily incorporated in standard interactive exhibits. The problem considered in this study was the observed low percentage of visitors completing the programmes at seven of these computer-based exhibits. The author used unobtrusive observation and survey methods of data collection, for 245 visitors, on sundays over a three month period. The study was to determine two things, firstly the holding power of the exhibits, and secondly, …

Current Practices And Continuity Of Programmes In Recorder Tuition In Selected North East Metropolitan Schools, B. J. Pascoe

Theses : Honours

The learning of music literacy through playing an instrument has generally, as development of been emphasised by music educators being vital in the overall musical the child. Despite easy access to wind recorders and recorder repertoire, many classroom teachers in years four to seven in. Western Australian schools are either not teaching this subject, or where it is being pursued, there is often a lack of continuity. The reasons for this could be numerous, including: - Lack of an interest or musical background, or both, by teachers and administrators. - Failure by teachers and administrators to realise the importance of …

What Do Primary Students Know About Light?: An Investigation Into Misconceptions Held By Year 7 Students In Western Australia, Christine Ann Coulstock

Theses : Honours

This research examines misconceptions about light held by Year 7 primary school students. The subjects (n = 37) were selected from six schools in the northeastern area of Perth, Western Australia. An Interview About Instances approach was used in this research using instance cards specifically designed for this study. Misconceptions were ascertained and those held by 25% or more of the students were considered significant. Misconceptions were found in the understanding of the physical and the physiological process of sight, the relationship of light to colour, night vision in animals and the distance light travels under different circumstances. The misconceptions …

Gender Equity : Retrospect And Prospect, With Recommendations For The School Of Education: Part 2: A Curriculum For Girls, Lesley P. Newhouse

Research outputs pre 2011

Curriculum awakeners:

Definitive statements· by Newsom, 1948; Cooper, 1968; Green 1976; Sutherland 1981; and Parker & Offer 1989, have had a profound influence on the orientation of Part 2 of my report on the "Curriculum for Girls" in Australia over the past twenty two years.

John Newsom, (1948) A quotation which made a deep impression on me was that of Newsom:

"and so the great work goes on, wrote John Newsom of British girls' grammar schools in 1948, " ... and we produce little parrots, who can tell you the Main Clauses in the Treaty of Utrecht or give you …

Research Management Plan 1991, Western Australian College Of Advanced Education

Research outputs pre 2011

This management plan (June 1990) sets out the place of research in the spectrum of activities of the College and the state-wide responsibilities of WACAE. The College has a positive, unambiguous attitude to the promotion of research of high quality and has allocated funds and resources to that end. The College Research Committee is charged with the management of this rapidly developing research capacity. In discharging this function the Committee will review its Research Management Plan regularly and welcomes constructive input at any time.

Gender Equity : Retrospect And Prospect, With Recommendations For The School Of Education: Part 3, Lesley Patricia Newhouse

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Literacy In Perspective., Ken Willis

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

One aim of this Joint National Conference of the Australian Reading Association and the Australian Association of Teachers of English is to develop a National Literacy Policy. An essential pre-requisite to developing a policy on literacy is a definition of the term ''literacy''. This paper argues that if this definition is stated in general terms it will be of questionable value, as it will be open to multiple interpretations dependent on the context.

Issues Facing And Shaping The Role Of District Superintendents During A Period Of Radical Change, Rod Chadbourne

Research outputs pre 2011

Before 1987, the work of superintendents was well known throughout the state education system. Their role had evolved over a long period of time and was firmly established - materially and in the minds of school staff. Sometimes people disagreed with how that role was discharged but they did have a clear idea of what it entailed. Superintendents also enjoyed a high profile. They were commonly seen to occupy powerful and prestigious positions, presiding over teachers' careers and curriculum developments. The Better Schools Report changed much of that...

Claremont Teachers College Alumni Association : 10th Anniversary, 1980-1990, Alumni Association

Research outputs pre 2011

On the 9th June 1990, the Claremont Teachers College Alumni Association completed its first 10 years. From a fairly humble beginning the Association has continued to grow until it now has in excess of 250 members.

These first ten years have been most traumatic for the Claremont College. In 1982 the College lost its identity as a separate autonomous institution when it was amalgamated to become one of the campuses of the West Australian College of Advanced Education. In 1989 the campus closed its doors on its last teacher education graduates and ceased its role as a teacher education institution. …

A Pilot Study To Improve Academic Learning Time In Physical Education, Robert Walker

Theses : Honours

Academic Learning Time in Physical Education (ALT-PE) is defined as the portion of engaged time when a student is involved in practice appropriate to his or her ability. The amount of time students are appropriately engaged in physical education activities has been found to have a high correlation with student achievement (Godbout, Brunelle & Tousignant, 1983; Graham, Soares & Hanington, 1983; Harrison, 1987; Phillips & Carlisle, 1983; Placek & Randall, 1986; Silverman, 1985). The teacher has control over the amount of time children can practise the criterion skill in a particular lesson. Investigating the way in which the students spend …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Retelling With The Aid Of A Story-Map Procedure With Weaker Readers, Madeleine Boekeman

Theses : Honours

This study examines the effectiveness of the 'Retelling with the aid of a story-map procedure' as an instructional approach which could help weaker readers in their second year of schooling. Based on the literature and research findings which support a view of language as a developmental, holistic and natural process, the 'Retelling with the aid of a story-map procedure' was chosen. It was hypothesised that it would help the weaker readers make connections between oral language and written language, develop meaning seeking behaviours and increase their 'data pool' of linguistic knowledge. The goal of this study was to seek answers …

Gender Equity : Retrospect And Prospect, With Recommendations For The School Of Education: Part 1, Lesley P. Newhouse

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

The Nonparticipation Of Year 10 Female Students In Coeducational Physical Education In A Metropolitan Senior High School, Lisa Fardell

Theses : Honours

The nonparticipation of girls in coeducational physical education and physical recreation is of continuing concern to physical educators. It is apparent through observation that numerous girls opt out of physical activity by providing a variety of excuses or simply by remaining unchanged for physical education classes. The purpose of this study was to explore the stated reasons for the nonparticipation by Year 10 girls in coeducational physical education at Lynwood Senior High School. The primary technique utilized in ascertaining information was the structured interview format. Each Year 10 girl who presented to physical educ3tion classes as a nonparticipant was interviewed …

The Relationship Between Cooperative Small Group Composition And The Learning Of A Mathematical Concept In The Primary School Years: A Pilot Study, Susan Eaton

Theses : Honours

In recent years small group cooperative learning has been given increasing attention by researchers. This interest has been a result of n growing awareness of the benefits that small group cooperative learning can bring to the learning process. These benefits include gains in areas of academic achievement, self-confidence as a learner, cross-cultural/cross-racial relationships, social acceptance of mainstreamed students, and improved attitudes towards school and learning. A particular focus of North American researchers has been small group cooperative learning in mathematics. Little work had been done in this area in Western Australian schools and with the changed emphasis in the Western …

An Investigation Of The Use Of Verbalization To Improve Representational Drawing Performance, Patricia Waters

Theses : Honours

Drawing is a fundamental skill for the creation of art. This investigation set out to discover whether or not the application of verbalization to an efficient drawing strategy increased students' perceptual observation skills to enhance representational drawing ability. The study group consisted of 20 Year 8 art students from a northern suburbs coastal secondary school in Perth. Their ages ranged from 12 to 14 years. They were randomly divided into two groups, experimental and control. The pretest and posttest drawings of the students from both groups were analyzed by four expert judges using an evaluation guide to determine the accuracy …

The Effect Of A Vee-Mapping Strategy On Students' Perceptions Of Laboratory Activities, Sonia J. Hueppauff

Theses : Honours

Practical work is considered important for learning science, by teachers and science educators. This acceptance though, has been reported as based on intuition rather than evidence (Atkinson & White, 1961). A significant proportion of class time is occupied with doing practical work. It is evident that in a majority of situations, students commence laboratory activities unsure of their aim, the procedure they are going to carry out, or that experimentation is a way of forming knowledge (Moreira, I 960; Novak & Gowin, I 964). Vee-maps (Novak & Gowin, 1 964) are one way of making laboratory work more meaningful. That …

Secondary Students' Difficulties With Designing A Controlled Experiment, Bradley E. Watson

Theses : Honours

This research investigation was conducted to identify the difficulties encountered by secondary science students in the design of a controlled experiment. These difficulties were illuminated by studying the combination of knowledge, skills and strategies employed by experts. Three categories of individuals were used in the study, Year 10 science students, Year 12 science students and science lecturers who had completed doctoral studies in their fields. There were six subjects interviewed in each category. Each of the subjects were given a task which involved thinking aloud while planning a controlled experiment. When the subjects had completed the task, they were asked …

The Effects Of Internalising A Narrative Text Structure On The Comprehension And Recall Of Narrative Texts, Julie M. Bayly

Theses : Honours

This study was an analysis of an aspect of oral language comprehension. The major purpose was to evaluate the impact of the facilitating effect of a knowledge of a narrative text framework, upon listeners' comprehension of narratives.

One research question was addressed: In the immediate recall of a simple, unfamiliar narrative text, presented orally, once only, will year six listeners who have been taught the schematic structure of narratives perform significantly better than similar year six students who have not?

A teacher-devised listening text was modified from an S.R.A. (1975) listening kit. The results of that test were used as …

Training Technicians Or Educating Teachers : An Internship Program For Teacher Educators In Papua New Guinea, Denis Mclaughlin

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In 1987,the Bachelor ofEducation (Tertiary) became operational at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). This offers a three year program to prepare experienced Community School teachers for positions as lecturers in Community Teachers Colleges. The second year of the program is a supervised internship in oneof these teachers colleges, a year which is intended to be one means among others of stimulating quality education in Papua New Guinea. This paper aims to present a theoretical rationale for the internship year, to explain how its design is intended to work towards the achievement of the goal of qualitative improvement in …

Pastoral Care In Schools : Some Implications For Teacher Training, Ron Best

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

In Britain, teachers' concern for children as more than "empty buckets to be filled with knowledge" is widely recognised as a professional obligation. It is also legally enshrined in the concept of the teacher in loco parentis. There is nothing particularly new about this. Arnold of Rugby placed academic achievement third behind the promotion of Christian values and "gentlemanly conduct" in the priorities he set for his staff, and in public boarding-schools the roles of house master and matron were considered important means by which pupils' personal, physical and (supposedly) moral well-being were protected. What is relatively new is the …

School-Based Teacher Education, Heather J. Thanos

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Pre-service teacher education can and should integrate learning about teaching through continuous school-based experience. It is in the dynamic environments of schools and classrooms that prospective teachers learn through observation, experience and reflection to make critical judgements, in real and changing circumstances, about what it means to teach. Moreover, it is through continuous school-based teachIng experience, in a variety of school contexts, that prospective teachers construct their own critical consciousness of the social purposes of schooling and not just the technical skills of teaching. An upheaval in teacher education in Australia is currently foreshadowed by the Australian Education Council (AEC) …

Book Reviews

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Books reviewed. Lokan, J. and McKenzie, P. (eds). (1989). Teacher appraisal : issues and approaches. Australian Education Review, No. 28. Melbourne: ACER. Christie, F. (Ed.). (1990). Literacy for the Changing World: A Fresh Look at the Basics. Melbourne: ACER. Willis, S. (ed.). (1990). Being Numerate: What Counts? Melbourne: ACER. Brennan, B. (ed.). (1990). Continuing Professional Education : Promise and Performance. (Australian Education Review No.30), Melbourne: ACER. Atkin, J., Bastiani, J., and Goode, J., (1988). Listening to Parents, Kent: Croom Helm. Ralph Pethnan. (1986) Teaching for Human Rights : Pre-school and Grades 1-4. Canberra: Australian Government PublIshing Service. VIDEO REVIEW Educating …

Curriculum Decision Making For National Interest In The Tertiary Sector: An Evaluation Of A Curriculum Project, Stephen Duggan, Lyndall Boyle

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper is concerned with a study of comparative curriculum practice within the tertiary sector. Within Australia, curriculum practice, innovation, planning and evaluation has occurred mainly within the primary and secondary school system. However, since the mid-1980s, educational strategies for national interest have seen the evolution of informed curriculum research and development within the tertiary sector, as universities and colleges endeavour to meet nationally determined educational goals and objectives. This study relates the research process involved when tertiary educators (and researchers) are faced with the task of reconciling local, regional and national objectives. In particular, it considers the dynamics of …

Improving The Scientific Thinking Of Preservice Secondary Science Teachers, Mark Hackling, Patrick Garnett, Frank Dymond

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Previous studies indicate that many preservice science teachers lack facility with those formal reasoning patterns that are critical for learning science. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement and evaluate a curriculum package directed at improving preservice secondary science teachers' scientific thinking. A matched treatment-control, quasi-experimental design revealed significant gains achieved through use of the curriculum materials.

Classroom Interaction: Some Qualitative And Quantitative Differences In A Mixed-Ethnicity Classroom, Gary Partington, Vincent Mccudden

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

Children's classroom success has been attributed to a variety of factors (Watts, 1975). Among these factors are the quality and number of interactions occurring between the teacher and the students (Brophy and Good, 1974). Students who attract a greater proportion of the teacher's time and experience more positive interactions are more likely to be successful than other students. Additionally it has been argued (McKessar and Thomas, 1978) that some students may have greater expertise in capturing a teacher's attention, that is, by initiating interactions, while King (1979) considered that students engaged in behaviours which were designed to maintain the teacher's …

Factors That Impinge Upon The Implementation Of A Formally Structured Pastoral Care Programme In A Government School, Eleanor Watson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

There is substantial evidence to indicate that societal ills have entered the schools and become manifest in the school environment in the forms of student alienation from the mainstream of the school community and pressures upon schools to provide a range of care related services Although schools are not responsible for the ills of society there is a general community expectation that they will act to counteract any of the social or educational disadvantages that accrue to the young as a consequence. In order to address such issues, Pastoral Care programmes, appear to have been developed in an ad hoc …

An Examination Of The Pastoral Needs Of Students And The Needs Of Their Teachers As Providers Of Pastoral Care, Philip A. Crane

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The problem addressed by this research project is expressed in two parts. Firstly an examination of the pastoral care needs of students at a particular independent secondary school. Secondly, an examination of the needs of the teachers (as providers of pastoral care) who are attempting to understand and deal with the pastoral needs of the students. The research takes the form of a bounded case study, employing techniques of data gathering and analysis from each of the positivistic and naturalistic paradigms. As such then the study is described as mixed - mode research allowing for the triangulation (Jick, 1979. p.602) …