Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Dynamic Variables Of Science Classroom Discourse In Relation To Teachers’ Instructional Beliefs, Sibel Kaya

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

The current study examines if the occurence of dynamic variables namely, authentic questions, uptake, high-level evaluation and student questions in primary science classrooms vary by teachers’ instructional beliefs. Twelve 4^th grade teachers from two different schools volunteered to participate in the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine teachers’ instructional beliefs, classroom practices and dynamic variables of classroom discourse. Results showed that teachers were more teacher-centred in their classroom practices than their instructional beliefs. There were no differences among teachers with different instructional beliefs in …

Stakeholder Perceptions Of The Special Education Referral Process For Black Males Based On Ace: Administration, Culture And Environment, Malik Douglas

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this causal comparative study is to contribute to the understanding of Critical Race Theory by using a parametric test to compare the independent variable of human characteristics to the dependent variables of Administrative, Cultural, and Environmental/ Hereditary (ACE) factors to develop a picture of parents'/guardians' and educators' attitudes about factors that may explain the overrepresentation of Black males in special education programs. A total of 162 participants completed a self-reporting demographic characteristic survey and the Gresham survey to provide information on the attitudes towards the administrative, cultural, and environmental/hereditary factors that may be correlated with the overrepresentation …

Comparing Students' Perceptions Of Online Language Learning To Traditional Learning, Noreen La Piana

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This study examined students' perceptions towards online language learning and face-to-face learning. A survey of multiple intelligences (McClelland & Conti, 2008) combined with an Online Learning Readiness Survey (OLRS) survey (Dray, Lowenthal, Miszkiewicz, Ruiz-Primo, & Marczynski, 2011) was distributed to 2,177 community college and university students in order to measure the strength of each of the nine intelligences each student possessed, as well as their perceptions of readiness for online language learning. Student preference for online/hybrid versus traditional language class was also considered. The three research questions involved an investigation of: 1) the differences between students who attended an online/hybrid …

Examining Adjunct Instructor Characteristics, Perceived Fit, And Teaching Modality To Determine If They Predict Organizational Commitment And Job Satisfaction At A Mid-Western Career College, Randy Hill

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, multiple regression study was to examine the relationship between 10 adjunct instructor characteristics and organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Part-time instructors who taught for the institution during the 2012-2013 academic year completed an electronic survey with questions from three valid and reliable instruments: perceived person-organization fit (Cable & DeRue, 2002), part-time faculty job satisfaction survey (Hoyt, Howell, & Eggett, 2007), and organizational commitment questionnaire (Fields, 2002). Data from the survey was analyzed using separate hierarchical regressions to answer the following research questions: (a) Do adjunct instructor characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, education level, teaching experience, teaching …

Jeremy Murray Cd Summer 2013, Jeremy Murray

Innovative Course Redesign Grant Reports

Supports faculty to redesign or develop a course in ways that implement high-impact, evidence-based, and/or innovative teaching strategies to improve student learning.

The Culture Conundrum: Training Faculty And Staff For Effectively Working With International Students, Mckenna S. Pencak

Capstone Collection

Over the past five years, the number of international students studying at the University of Notre Dame has increased by 30 percent. The increase in the numbers of undergraduate international students, as well as Chinese international students, has been even more significant. This rapid growth in the number of international students has created challenges for University faculty, staff, and administrators, both inside and outside of the classroom. International students typically face different challenges adjusting to an American university from their American peers, stemming from differences between their home country cultures and American culture. When an international student is facing a …

Keeping Equity In Mind: Strategies For Continuing Equity Work Once Formal Training Has Ended, Teri Lynn Tilley

Dissertations and Theses

Fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, there remain large gaps in academic achievement between children of color and White students (Darling-Hammond, 2007). It is estimated that by 2050, the population of the United States will increase by 50%; 90% of which will be accounted for by minorities (Vanneman, Hamilton, Anderson, & Rahman, 2009). In less than 50 years, our citizenry will be comprised of "groups that are over represented among low achievers, and under represented among high achievers" (Ferguson, 2005, p. 4). Nationwide, districts are addressing the issue of the achievement gap through implementing formal equity professional development …

Dorothy Caldwell, Dorothy Caldwell, Institute Of Child Nutrition. Child Nutrition Archives.

Oral History Project (all interviews)

After teaching home economics for two years, and then taking several years off to raise her five children, Dorothy Caldwell spent twenty years as food service director for Marianna, Arkansas schools. She then worked as the state director of child nutrition for the Arkansas Department of Education for another decade, serving as the president of the School Nutrition Association toward the end of this period. After a brief retirement Dorothy was recruited to come to USDA in Washington, DC, to work in Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services for another four years.

Four Past-Presidents, Bowens Martin Caldwell Nix, Institute Of Child Nutrition. Child Nutrition Archives.

Oral History Project (all interviews)

Oral History interview with American School Food Service Association Past-Presidents (now the School Nutrition Association), Shirley Watkins Bowden, Dorothy Caldwell, Josephine Martin, and Mary Nix, regarding the founding of the National Food Service Management Institute (now the Institute of Child Nutrition), May 21, 2014, at the National Food Service Management Institute (now the ICN), The University of Mississippi.

Turning Policy Into Practice: A Case Study Examining The Interplay Between Policy, Research, And Program Design In Teacher Education, Ryan Andrew Nivens, Catherine Paolucci

ETSU Faculty Works

Excerpt:This presentation will consider the interplay between policy, international research and the design and development of a new mathematics teacher education program in the Republic of Ireland.

What Is A Personal Learning Network (Pln)? Do I Really Need One?, Pilar Munday

Languages Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Latino Emergent Bilingual Students' Experiences With The Middle School Transition, Kerry Pecho

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis reports the findings of a qualitative study that examined how Latino emergent bilingual students anticipate and experience the transition from a bilingual elementary school program to middle school. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who were native Spanish-speakers participated in focus group discussions. Overall, participants described positive transition experiences, and much of the content was not unique to these students (e.g., feeling nervous, looking forward to more activities). Other content, though, revealed transition experiences that may be unique to this population (e.g., dramatic shift in ethnic and linguistic backgrounds of peers). Participants' responses suggested that they experience a …

Oraib Mango Cd Summer 2013, Oraib Mango

Innovative Course Redesign Grant Reports

Supports faculty to redesign or develop a course in ways that implement high-impact, evidence-based, and/or innovative teaching strategies to improve student learning.

Exploring Reggio-Inspired Documentation: Lived Experiences Of Elementary Teachers And Children, Jenifer Marie Millan

Dissertations and Theses

In this interpretive phenomenological research study, making meaning of teachers and children's experiences of Reggio-inspired documentation takes center stage. Reggio-inspired documentation is a way of visually stabilizing and bringing meaning to experiences, ideas, thoughts and the daily interactions of children and adults (Bonilauri & Rubizzi, 2010; Filippini, Trancossi & Vecchi, 2009; Guidici et al, 2001; Rinaldi, 2006). Collecting research in The School of Inspiration elementary program brings to light the many experiences and possible meanings of Reggio-inspired documentation. The study's participants consist of 2 teachers, 45 children, and me, as a participant researcher, all developing the meaning over time.

Utilizing …

Global Education In New York City High Schools: What We Can Learn, Emily Gifford

Capstone Collection

In an increasingly globalized world, where international issues affect local communities, it is important for students to learn about global topics. International education in colleges is becoming more ubiquitous, but many students do not go to college and need to be introduced earlier. Is global education being taught in high schools? How have educators incorporated international issues into their classrooms? In this study, I spoke to educators in New York City to examine what public high schools are doing to integrate global issues into their curricula.

The study examines what obstacles teachers and schools face, what helps teachers to be …

Perceptions Of Kindergarten Teachers Regarding Professional Development In New Jersey's Public Schools, Deborah Fitzpatrick

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

PreK-3 is a growing national initiative designed to transform the educational experiences of young children. Research indicates that young children’s educational gains are more likely to last when quality preschool programs are linked with the elementary years. A PreK-3 approach integrates and builds strong connections between the learning experiences of children ages three through eight. Kindergarten is the grade where preschool and primary grade experiences intersect.

The purpose of this study was to examine kindergarten teachers’ opinions regarding professional development opportunities in early childhood education which may help facilitate implementation of the PreK-3 continuum. This was accomplished through an examination …

Check And Connect With Secondary Education, Jarmarcus D. Johnson

Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.) Theses

Marks (2000) reported engagement in the classroom leads to achievement and contributes to students' social and cognitive development. There have been several studies on the Check and Connect (CNC) intervention, however there is little research on its effectiveness on high school students who lack engagement and display disruptive behaviors. In this study, a multiple-baseline across participants design was used to determine the effects of a CNC intervention on student disruptive behaviors among students with and without disabilities in the 9^th grade of high school. Three high school students age 13-16 with persistent disruptive behaviors participated in this study. Data …

A Look At What Are The Best Practices For Infant And Toddler Care, Tara Greaney

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The first part of this project looks at what qualifications and trainings are currently required to be an infant/toddler caregiver in New York City. This is followed by a literature review of the professional development training program's best practices for infant/toddler care in five states. Interviews with seasoned directors of infant/toddler programs and surveys are also included.

Moving From The What To The How : The Effects Of Instructional Coaching On Student Engagement, Mark Maranto

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study details the process of one-to-one instructional coaching and explores the question: what effect does one-to-one instructional coaching have on teacher pedagogical skill to improve student engagement?.

Designing A Professional Development Program For Teachers That Builds On Their Knowledge And Inspires Continued Commitment And Interest In Early Childhood, Susan Malone

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study investigates teachers' participation in several forms of professional development activities, and it describes teachers' assessments of the various opportunities offered by their school.

The Early Years : A Handbook For New Early Childhood Progressive Educators, Mallory Morris

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This master's project provides research, advice, and suggestions that will continue to prepare progressive early childhood teachers for their first years in the classroom.

Professional Learning Communities For Early Childhood Teachers, Kristen Scotese

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study describes research related to professional development, mainly professional learning communities. The author created two professional learning communities within a child care facility in Queens, New York. This study implies that professional learning communities can be beneficial to early childhood teachers.

Mental Health Of University Students: Perspectives For Intervention And Prevention: An Indo-Canadian Collaborative Project, Amresh Srivastava, Rahel Eynan, Ravi Shah, Laxaman Dutt, Shubhangi Parkar, Tss Rao, Dp Giridhar, Rakesh Bhandari, Nagesh Bhandari, Paul Link

Data and Test Instruments

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the levels of psychological distress of university students and examine teachers’ awareness and opinions concerning suicide prevention. Methods: The study used a two-phase, sequential mixed-method approach of converging quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In the quantitative study the 1a2-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure psychological wellbeing in a student sample ( n=110 ). The qualitative study consisted of a focus group with students (n=200) and faculty members. (n=25). Results: The scores for the sample ranged between 0- 33 with a mean score of 10.25 (SD= 6.14). The majority of respondents (70.6%) endorsed …

Associations Between Student-Teacher Relationships And Kindergarten Students' Outcomes, Leslie Marie Wells

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The student-teacher relationship (STR) is an important component of a student's success in school. STRs have the potential to serve as an asset for students' well-being and achievement throughout their school career. Current literature suggests that there are two major components of STRs associated with student's academic and behavioral outcomes: closeness and conflict. Research has indicated that STRs characterized by closeness are linked to positive academic and behavior outcomes for students while STRs characterized by conflict are associated with negative academic and behavior outcomes for students. Although research has demonstrated that closeness and conflict have an impact on student outcomes, …

The Impacts Of Social Interaction On Literacy Learning, Megan Marie Donisch

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This thesis will show the importance of including social interaction in the classroom and how it can help students to develop their literacy skills. In my teaching, I intend to find a balance of direction instruction, practice and socially based interaction that best serves students. After doing this research I see that this balance will be heavily weighted by the interactive aspects. So much of what effective teachers do puts children in contact with peers or teachers. They must observe others practicing the skills of literacy if they are to learn these skills.

Racking Up Cultural Capital And Eliminating Labels: The Culture Of Teaching And Learning In The Juvenile Justice System, Sarah Clarke Staples-Farmer

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

How do we educate the student who is “bad ass” or “delinquent”--the youth who finds himself locked up with every aspect of his daily life now controlled? By law, every child, no matter his/her status, must attend school and be provided an education. Thus, education typically makes a point of ensuring accommodations are provided for each student. Yet, what accommodations are made and what attention is given to youth who have broken the law, repeatedly run away, been truant, or removed from their homes due to adverse circumstances? Addressing the particular needs of these youth is both a mystery and …

Elementary School Teachers' Interpretation And Promotion Of Creativity In The Learning Of Mathematics: A Grounded Theory Study, Yinjing Shen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Creativity is important for young children learning mathematics. Comparing the investment theory of creativity and national standards and principles for early mathematics shows that doing mathematics is more than applying rules and procedures; rather, learning mathematics takes a lot of creativity. However, much literature claimed that creativity for young children in the learning of mathematics was not adequately supported by teachers in the classroom due to teachers’ poor college preparation in mathematics content knowledge, teachers’ negativity towards creative students, teachers’ occupational pressure, low quality curriculum, and the like. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to generate a model …

Building A Framework For Indiana Geospatial Education, Benjamin D. Branch, Kathy L. Kozenski

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of Professional Supports And Early Career Teacher Attrition, Thomas J. Kolbe

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

Early career teachers are moving within or from the profession at an alarming rate. The intent of moving schools, districts, or exiting the profession creates instability in the profession. This is costly to student learning, improvement efforts and financially. Teacher attrition tends to be higher in schools where the need for high quality teaching is the greatest: high-poverty and low-performing schools. Improving teachers’ work environment and professional developments are more cost effective and influential in convincing teachers to remain.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions that K-12 early career teachers indicate for the intent of attrition …

Application Of Problem Based Learning And Mastery Learning To Multimedia Education, Gabriel J. Grant, Dominick E. Fazarro, Luke Steinke

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

The current state of education and the workforce demands a special kind of learner capable of creativity, communicating effectively, analytical skill application, critical thinking, and problem solving. Whereas these skills are important, it is also a necessity for learners to be masters of the knowledge and skills that they have acquired. Traditional educational methods have proven to be somewhat ineffective in producing these results. Problem based learning has proven worthy in handling some of the load, however, mastery learning has been abandoned long ago for reasons in spite of its effectiveness. Through given examples and careful design, the educator will …