Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Some Institutional Factors As Predictors Of Undergraduates’ Attitude To Continuous Assessment: Implications For Policy, Qualitative Education And Counselling, Jimoh Owoyele, A. Ettu, Omar Kareem

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Periodic assessment is an integral part of education process. It provides opportunity for teachers and learners to assess learning outcomes with a view to adjusting methods and improving academic achievement. It also provides the required basis for admission, placement, promotion, demotion or repetition and at the end certification of learners. If there is no form of assessment in education, the process would be marred by obscurity and it would be very difficult to classify the products of the system (Omoifo, 1998). Periodic assessment makes it possible to know the direction of students’ performance and to determine the direction of change …

Perception Of Good Leadership Among The Academics In Nigeria: Case Of Benue State University, Makurdi, Umbur Demekaa

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The objectives of the study were: i. To determine the influence of gender on the academics perception of good leadership. ii. To examine the influence of status on the academics perception of good leadership. iii. To determine the influence of religion on the academics perception of good leadership iv. To determine the influence of discipline on the academics perception of good leadership.

The Ethics Of Educational Leadership, Denver J. Fowler

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

“No issue has captured the interest and imagination of the American public more than the subject of ethics, particularly in relation to leadership in the public sector” (Rebore, 2000, p.v). One of the most universal questions in educational leadership is “What is the relationship of ethics as it relates to educational leadership?” The answer can be very complex. Many authors who have written on the subject of ethics in educational leadership have tried to answer this question. All major branches of ethics must be considered when attempting to answer this question. These branches include metaethics, normative ethics, applied ethics, moral …

The Evolution And Management Of Higher Education In Nigeria: A Review Of Private Initiatives, Olabanji Odabara

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Nigeria possesses the largest university system in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although South Africa’s tertiary enrollments are higher, Nigeria boasts more institutions. Nigeria has over 75 universities as at 2005 (Adedipe, 2005), about 41 polytechnics and 62 colleges of education as at 1998 (UNESCO, 2000a). In less than 50 years of tertiary education in Nigeria, the enrolment which was 210 in 1948 increased to 392,683 in 1996 (UNESCO, 2000a:87). As at 2005 Nigeria had 23 private universities. As the Federal Universities grew in number and students enrolment, State Universities started emerging in 1979 with the Rivers State University of Science and Technology …

The Potency Of Privatisation In The Economic Development Of Nigeria, K.O. Odunaike, M.B. Amoda, O.A. Olatoye

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Privatisation has become the current wave moving across both developing and developed nations all over the world. This is so in order to promote efficient allocation and management of resources. In Nigeria, like most other developing countries, the ownership and control of key public utilities have virtually been the responsibility of the government since independence in 1960. The case for government control of public utilities, such as electricity, telecommunication, gas, water supply and air transportation is based on the argument that basic goods and services need to be provided to the citizenry at affordable prices, and also that government needs …

The Reluctance Of Korean Education In The Face Of Change, Paul Jambor

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

It should first be stated that there are many bright students in the Korean educational system and Korea has produced great waves in the information technology fields and the Korean economy has leaped in bounds from the days of poverty and despair, following the Korean War, to the present days when Korea has proven itself to be a world class country with a world class economy. Nevertheless, the Korean system of education has seemingly lagged behind the advances the Korean information technology and semiconductor industries have enjoyed.

The Benefit Of Extracurricular Activities In High School: Involvement Enhances Academic Achievement And The Way Forward, Scott Turner

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Research and data have been cited for over four decades about extra-curricular activities both sports and non sports related. Non sports related reference such activities as government, publication, journalism, math, and non specific leadership. Although there appears to be much data individually supporting each as a whole limited studies seem to be available. Depending on the region many schools urge and push sports as extra-curricular but do not necessarily promote sports for the benefit of the student, unfortunately more-so for the benefit of the school. Just as there were skeptics more than three generations ago today some still exist, stating …

Towards Improving The Status Of Higher Education In Nigeria, Adesoji Oni, Alade Abiodun

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

It is rewarding to begin this discussion by first of all reflecting on the concept of education. The term education is quite elusive and very difficult to pin down to a single definition. This is because numerous authorities in different fields define and describe education as it appeals to them and their background. In any case, education is what help us to acquire suitable appreciation of our cultural heritage and to live a fully more satisfying life. This includes the acquisition of desirable knowledge, skills, habits, values for productive living in the society. It equips the members of any human …

Understanding The Stereotypes Against Gifted Students: A Look At The Social And Emotional Struggles Of Stereotyped Students, Kimberly Ely

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Approximately 6% of students enrolled in schools in the United States, grades K-12, are classified as ‘gifted’ (NAGC, 2010). This estimates to roughly 3 million children who are of higher academic achievability than average students. Among these gifted students, some struggle with behavioral, emotional, and social development concerns. Their cognitive abilities set them apart from their peers. Their exceptional abilities can cause anxiety, underachievement, and feelings of isolation from the majority of other students. However, for many of these students, it is the stereotypes regarding intelligence that has brought about their struggles, or perpetuated them. This paper will aim to …

The Tesol Arabia Conference And Its Role In The Professional Development Of Teachers At Institutions Of Higher Education In The United Arab Emirates., Jonathan Aubrey, Christine Coombe

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

There are many reasons to pursue professional development, but perhaps one of the most important may be to narrow the wide chasm left behind by many teacher education programs. Freeman (1989) and Holliday (1994) have pointed out many of the difficulties associated with the transfer of knowledge into classroom practices, while others have directed attention to the vast kaleidoscope of cultural diversity involved in ELT (see Larsen-Freeman, 1983; Colabucci, 2007; Govardhan, Nayar and Sheorey, 1999). Consider, for a moment, what happens to a cohort of MA TESOL students upon completion of their teacher education programs. They scatter off to various …

A Comparative Study Of Leadership Behavior Of Principals In Relation To Job Satisfaction Of Teachers In Govt. And Non-Govt. Schools Of U.T., Maninder Khanna

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The study was designed to achieve the following objectives: 1. To compare the Leadership Behavior of Principals in Govt. and non-govt. schools . 2. To compare the job satisfaction of teachers in Govt. and non-govt. schools . 3. To ascertain the relationship between Leadership Behavior of Principals with job satisfaction of teachers in Govt. and non-govt. schools .

Administrator’S Electronic Checklist A Teacher Accountability System For Building Transformation, Michael Mott, Jerilou Moore, Temeka Shannon

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Data-driven decision making is a major role of principals and school-based administrators. These decision makers use data to improve not only student performance, but also to identify teacher competency, needs for professional development, allocation of resources, and communication of data results (3D, 2010). The format used to collect and report data is varied, but technology seems to be the most widely used means of collection by school districts. There are web-based systems, as well as district developed formats for monitoring student achievement. An effective system of data collection is a simple, easy to use format that provides results in a …

Differential Effectiveness Of Provocation, Brainstorming And Emotional Mastery In Fostering Emotional Intelligence (Eq) Among Nigerian Adolescents., Bola Ogunyemi

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

While intelligent Quotient (IQ) has long been used as a predictor of student success, as the world enters the 21st century, research shows that Emotional intelligence (EI) is a better predictor of success than the more traditional measures of cognitive intelligence (Goleman, 1995). Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to perceive emotions, to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, to reflectively regulate emotions, to promote emotional and intellectual growth (Mayer & Salovery 1997). McQueen (2004) suggests that EI is highly predictive of an individual’s general domains such as career performance.

Basic Social Values In Modern Nigerian School System, E. Okpilike

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

A careful study of current event in modern Nigerian scene, religious institutions and of course all other sectors of the society clearly show that there is an unbalanced equation as regards the input and output of societal values in the school system. It is either there is a reduction of the necessary and compulsory societal values which must be introduced and imbibed in the school system or that there is a wanton disregard, disrespect, or negligence of the excellent societal values already introduced or made available to the Nigeria school system. In these two probabilities the society receives the blame …

Consistency Of Occupational Choice Between Counselled And Uncounseled Senior Secondary School Students In Northern Cross River State, Pauline Edet, Mary Eyo

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The study specifically seeks to find out the consistency in the occupational choice pattern of counseled and uncounseled students and the influence of gender on occupational preferences of counseled and uncounseled students. Research Hypotheses The following hypotheses were posed in order to help investigate into the consistency of occupational choice between counseled and uncounseled students. 1. There is no significant difference in consistency in the occupational choice pattern of counseled and uncounseled students. 2. Gender has no significant influence on the occupational preferences of counseled and uncounseled students.

Developing Positive Self Concept And Self-Esteem As Panacea For Industrial Development And Harmony In A Work-Race, Hassan Modupe

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In today’s society, teachers must use a variety of strategies to reach all students when teaching mathematics. Classrooms today have many diverse learners, and teachers must be equipped to teach special education students, English Language Learners (ELL), and those served in inclusive classes. In order to reach the many needs of students today, teachers must be prepared with creative and research-based lessons and activities that will match the learning styles of all students. Teachers must be able to use teaching styles that adapt to students’ multiple intelligences. In order to teach to the diverse learning styles, teachers must get to …

Identifying Practices That Facilitate Effective Implementation And Sustainability Of Research-Based Professional Development Strategies, Emily Victoria Bryan Kibodeaux

Dissertations

This study was designed to determine whether significant differences existed in the level of implementation of a professional development strategy, the attitude of teachers toward this professional development strategy, and the knowledge of teachers regarding this professional development strategy. After teachers were trained on the professional development strategy, three treatments were utilized in the project: administrative observations and feedback, participation in a professional learning community (PLC), or training follow-up. Twenty-four teachers from four different schools in a school district in South Mississippi participated in the project over an 8 week time period. This quasi-experimental study collected pre- and post-treatment data …

Principal Leadership And School Effectiveness: Perspectives From Principals And Teachers, Robert Herrera

Dissertations

Principal leadership and its effect on student achievement have been well documented over the past two decades. However, the link between the principals' level of engagement in leadership practices and whether their schools met the accountability measure remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine four research questions regarding (a) the extent of principals' engagement in seven leadership practices that are identified as enhancing student achievement in the literature, and (b) whether the level of engagement is associated with schools' success in meeting the accountability measure.

The study used data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics …

Teacher Depth Of Knowledge As A Predictor Of Student Achievement In The Middle Grades, Tracy Henshaw Jackson

Dissertations

Schools strive to hire highly qualified teachers to educate and empower students to become high performers (NCEE, 1983; Erickson, 1995). As a part of this effort, teachers are required to obtain specific skills and certification to meet students’ academic needs. While the intent is recognized, there continues to be a discrepancy between highly qualified teachers in the middle grades and student achievement (The Nations Report Card, 2005; Turner-Bissett, 1999). Therefore, it is imperative to examine teachers’ perceptions and instructional strategies that may influence students’ achievement.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between high-performing …

Superintendents' Use Of Research-Based Responsibilities/Practices In High-Performing School Districts, Wayne Russell Stitt

Dissertations

The purpose of this research study was to identify "how" effective superintendents use the research-based leadership responsibilities/practices outlined in Marzano and Waters' (2006) meta-analysis that significantly and positively impact student achievement. A second purpose of this research was to find challenges that superintendents face in their attempts to be successful within their school districts.

The study employed a qualitative multi-site case study using elite purposeful sampling. Five superintendents in southwest Michigan were targeted and agreed to participate in this study. They were the only superintendents in this region who met the criteria, which included school districts who have a total …

Creating Inclusive Learning Communities For Ell Students: Transforming School Principals' Perspectives, Kathryn Brooks, Susan R. Adams, Trish Morita-Mullaney

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

School-level administrators are often concerned about tertiary supports for English language learners (ELLs), such as translating signs and school documents or offering Spanish classes for their teachers. Although modeling and learning the heritage language(s) of the ESL population can be helpful, its focus on language differences can limit our considerations of broader systemic challenges that impact the success of ELLs in our schools. This article shares the dialogues that school administrators are having about ELL students and discusses the use of social justice and equity focused professional learning communities as a way to transform this discourse to address the broader …

Computer Technology Integration Into The Public School Classroom – A Qualitative Update, Ramiro Zuniga

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The number of computers found in public schools has greatly increased over the last forty years. As recognized by the National Center for Education Statistics (2000), the dramatic increase has led to a need for understanding how these computers are being used in the classroom and how teachers feel about the current state of integration. Some observers of this phenomenon have suggested that the desire to acquire computer technology for use in the public school classroom has been so strong that many of the proponents of computer technology integration into the public school classroom have spent little time in explaining …

Influence Of Job Esteem And Job Status On Organizational Commitment Of Employees Of Selected Banks In Nigeria., Shyngle Balogun, Samuel Oladipo, Segun Odekunle

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

With the rate of globalization and industrialization witnessed all over the world, there seems to have been an observable increase in the number of different organizations that are springing up to meet different needs. Some of these organizations are in the financial sector, telecommunications, oil and gas and a host of others. One of the many factors that have enhanced the functionality of these organizations has been the individual(s) who work in such organizations (i.e. the employees). Even in organizations where there are more operating machines than human beings, the fact remains that human beings are needed to operate the …

Teacher Morale: The Magic Behind Teacher Performance, Michael Hess, Jerry Johnson

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Educational progress depends upon the quality of teachers. Unfortunately most of the persons who enter teaching profession do not like their jobs at all. They are here because they could not be selected for any other profession, Hence, quite a number of rejected and dejected university degree holders seek admission in training colleges and become teachers. Their inner-self never wanted to become a teacher. Many teachers take no pleasure in the teaching and simply pass their time. They do not care to set worthwhile goals before their pupils. They never care for what the students say about them. They are …

The Need For Awareness Of Servant Leadership In Business Schools, Salih Usun

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Every year, thousands of students graduate from business schools all over the world. These graduates become the leaders in multinational companies, business establishments and corporations. In recent years there have been many scandals and frauds in multinational businesses like Enron, WorldCom, Hollinger International, Marsh & McLennan and Satyam Computers Services Ltd. Experience has shown that these establishments crashed because the top leaders failed miserably in areas like honesty, humility, reliability and trustworthiness even though they were educated in reputed educational institutions.

Using Nonprofits As For-Profit Student Training Grounds, Louis George, Tara Sabhapathy

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Students can develop important management skills by requiring them to work in non-profits as a component of their curriculum. What they can learn will be information usually not found in textbooks because this type of organization focuses on a mission that blends the desire for long term success with the desire to serve special groups of people in need. The fascinating mix of social consciousness with any of a variety of business models creates dynamic environments that produce unusual situations not found in for-profit businesses. Exposure to these situations and occurrences can teach students management responsiveness, adaptability, and critical analysis …

Attrition – A Sign Of Leadership Problems, Sheila Bassoppo-Moyo

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

Universities are learning organizations of the highest level. Thus, it is essential that they retain and recruit faculty that will maintain and push the growth of the organization. Carruthers (n.d.) in addressing why attrition is an important organizational issue stated, “an American Management Association survey showed that four out of five CEOs view employee retention as a serious issue for organizational success” (p.1). Kaye and Jordan-Evans (1999) after examining countless research studies concluded “the cost of replacing key people runs between 70 percent and 200 percent of their annual salary. Hard costs can include advertising, search firms, interviewing and relocation …

A Comparison Of College Affordability Indexes Among City, Suburban, Town, And Rural Public Community Colleges, Lee Walter, Louis Glover, Madeline Justice

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

During the past 50 years, community colleges have increased in number and evolved to meet the changing needs of an increasingly diverse student population. No other segment of postsecondary education has been more responsive to the needs of its community (Kasper, 2002). Community colleges grant associate’s degrees normally requiring 2 years of full-time study for completion. Enrollment at public 4-year colleges and universities nearly doubled from 1965 to 1999, while enrollments at public community colleges have increased approximately 5-fold (Kasper).

Academic Integrity Office: A Proposal, Brian Stewart, Charles Faires

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

In higher education, the topic of plagiarism and the issues surrounding this topic are ever present. However, the larger umbrella issue of academic integrity, of which plagiarism is encompassed, is not present. To formally address the larger umbrella issue, the School of Education (SOE) at a private nonprofit University, located in the Southeastern United States, proposed the creation of an Academic Integrity Office. This paper provides background information related to academic integrity gathered from the SOE, a review of literature, summarized data collected from faculty members of the SOE, and a proposal. Sections of this paper are based upon a …

Analysis Of The Educational Facilities In Southern Universities In Nigeria, O.L. Oyeniyi

Academic Leadership: The Online Journal (2003-2012)

The educational system in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous expansion within the last two decades in the midst of limited resources and dilapidated educational facilities. The education sector has not enjoyed a fair share of the total recurrent and capital expenditure of the federal Government, despite the 26% recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The high priority accorded education according to Longe (1985), has partly been due to the view of education as an investment.