Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

The Miseducation Of The Black Teacher: An Examination Of Anti-Blackness And Deficit Thinking, Chalena Yancey Beasley

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of the phenomenological transformative study (Mertens, 2010) is to understand Black teachers' perceptions of students in predominantly Black, low-income schools. Seven Black teachers took part in this qualitative study in individual virtual interviews. Five of the participants were interviewed in a virtual focus group interview. The interview questions were designed to explore the challenges and successes experienced by Black teachers in educating Black students who live in low-income homes. People who operate from a deficit thinking perspective see students who are culturally different from the affluent culture as less capable (Nelson & Guerra, 2014; Shields, 2016; Walker, 2011). …

Collegiate Aviation Students’ Perceptions Towards The Integration Of Diversity And Inclusion Training: A Qualitative Case Study, Jorge L. D. Albelo, Nicola M. O'Toole, Eugene Kim

Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research

Multiple industries have become more supportive and engaging places to work by embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within their institutional processes. Institutions of higher education have seen the educational benefits of integrating diversity and inclusion principles within their program outcomes. Notably, the aviation industry has seen an increase in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices to attract more customers and increase the number of potential applicants. Yet, there is scant literature on how aviation students at collegiate flight institutions perceive the integration of diversity and inclusion training within the airline industry as part of their career development. This study aimed to …

Achieving Educational Equity In Minnesota's K-12 Public School Districts, Jennifer A. Yang

School of Business Student Theses and Dissertations

This study seeks to determine whether there are relationships between: first, public funding investment and educational equity; second, access to opportunities for students of color and disadvantaged backgrounds and educational equity; third, the interaction effect between access to opportunities for students of color and disadvantaged backgrounds and public funding investment on educational equity; fourth, teacher workforce diversity and educational equity; and fifth, the interaction effect between teacher workforce diversity and public funding investment on educational equity. The Minnesota Achievement and Integration Program is the source of public funding for this study, and the program was established in the 2013-2014 school …

Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions Of Training Needed To Apply Personalized Instruction, Christina Armstrong

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem at a Southwestern private school is that secondary teachers have insufficient training to apply personalized instruction (PI) with fidelity to meet the needs of students with severe to moderate cognitive impairments. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the secondary teachers’ perceptions of the training they need to apply academic interventions using PI. The conceptual framework that grounds this study was Bruner’s theory of instruction. The theory is used to focus on the process of gaining knowledge beginning with predisposition toward learning, in this case, the teachers’ attitudes toward PI. According to the theory, individuals …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On Referring Black Students For Disciplinary Action, Adriuna Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Schools have reported disparities in the use of discipline on a nationwide scale. The problem for this study was that early childhood teachers referred Black students for disciplinary action or exclusionary discipline at higher rates than their peers.The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of referring Black students for disciplinary action. Weinstein, Curran, and Tomlinson-Clarke’s model of culturally responsive classroom management formed the conceptual framework that guided this study. The research question focused on teacher perspectives about referring Black students for disciplinary action. A basic qualitative design was used to capture the insights …

Perspectives On Motor Skills Necessary For Kindergarteners’ Formal School Readiness, Allyson M. Schildt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have noted that before children can learn academics, they must first have developed motor skills. Motor skills are foundational to learning and integrated into other domains of learning as a child develops. The problem addressed through this basic qualitative study is that some kindergarten students in the northeastern United States lack motor skills necessary for formal school readiness, and kindergarten teachers are challenged to support students’ development of motor skills necessary for formal school readiness. The purpose of this study was to explore kindergarten teacher perspectives on kindergarten students’ motor skills necessary for formal school readiness. Thelen’s dynamic systems …

Staff Perspectives On Parent Withdrawal From Maternal, Infant, And Early Childhood Home Visiting Programs, Dr. Laquetta Delores Peoples

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was investigated through this study was the high withdrawal rates of families that enroll in MIECHV programs. Examining this issue provided data that will be shared with MIECHV programs to identify potential strategies to reduce high withdrawals. This basic qualitative study with semistructured interviews examined MIECHV staffs’ perspectives on the reasons for high withdrawals. The purpose of this study was to examine MIECHV program staff members’ perspectives on the reasons for the high withdrawal. The study was guided by Mowder’s parent development theory (PDT) and examined parenting as a continual process whereby parents constantly adjusted their parenting …

Trauma Informed Learning In The Classroom: A Literature Review, Alexis Ore

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

More than 3.1 million children a year are either abused or neglected (The State, 2022). During my student teaching this semester, I have seen first-hand the importance of trauma-informed learning in the classroom. How we teach our children has changed a lot throughout time, but change can be very important in making sure that students get the most out of their education and making sure that they can be productive members of society once they graduate and go out on their own. Trauma-informed learning is one big change happening in education. Trauma-informed learning is an understanding of how trauma can …

Adoption And Use Of Plagiarism Software By Postgraduate Students In Universities In South-West, Nigeria, Olusegun Adebayo Opesanwo, Hannah Okon Anwana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Over the years, there has been an increase awakening on plagiarism and the need to curb it, especially among postgraduate students. Hence, the need for them to have a good knowledge of plagiarism software.

This study investigates the adoption and use of plagiarism software among postgraduate students in universities in South-west Nigeria. Employing a survey research design and random sampling, thirty-four postgraduate students from each of the universities were selected.

The findings of the study revealed a moderate level of awareness among the respondents regarding the availability of plagiarism software. The frequency of use was also found to be low, …

Knowledge Acquisition For Academic Activities By The Lecturers Of Institutes Of Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Ibrahim Ismail Rafindadi, Dr Amina Ibrahim Inkani, Professor Munir Abdullahi Kamba, Dalhatu Usman Mairiga, Abdulqawiyyu Mustapha, Umar Ali Haruna

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Higher institutions of learning relies on active engagement in academic activities of which inform the teaching, researchand learning mission of institutions and are essential to robust democratic societies. The specific objectives of the study were to clarify the concept and significance, explore the academic activities engaged, and determine the knowledge acquisition programs by the lecturers of two (2) institutes of Nigerian meteorological agency. Qualitative data using a case study research design, face to face interview was used in gathering the data from a total of 16 purposively sampled respondents which were analysed using narrative based analysis. The study revealed that …

Elementary Administrators' Perspectives And Experiences Of Supporting Students Through Nature-Based Learning, Amanda Marie Shelley Degoede

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Although nature-based learning (NBL) contributes to the development of students, itsinclusion in elementary schools is inconsistent. Researchers have established the benefits of nature to learning and child development, yet there is a gap in the literature on elementary administrators’ perspectives of and experiences with NBL. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore elementary administrators’ perspectives of and experiences with NBL, its support of elementary student development, and its inclusion in elementary schools’ curricula and design. The research questions addressed elementary administrators’ perspectives of and experiences with NBL, how NBL supports student development, and how NBL is included in …

Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Behaviors That Lead To Disproportionate Referrals By Race, Susan Johannes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractDisproportionate office referrals through teachers in Grades 3-5 based on their students’ race are documented. At a Title I elementary school in the northeastern part of Virginia, non-White students are referred to the office for behavior issues 5% more times than their White peers. Guided by Bell’s critical race theory, the purpose of this study was to examine Grade 3-5 elementary teachers’ perceptions regarding types of behaviors that are leading to disproportionate numbers of office referrals for non-White students. A basic qualitative research design was employed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 8 purposefully sampled teachers to explore teachers’ perceptions about …

Professional Development Needs Of Early Childhood Educators Teaching Children With Challenging Behaviors, Latashia L. Kelly

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractEarly childhood educators have struggled to teach children with challenging behaviors, which can lead to suspension and expulsion. Although early childhood educators have limited professional development training in challenging behaviors, they are often not equipped to teach children with challenging behaviors. There is little research on how early childhood educators perceive their current training regarding teaching children with challenging behaviors. Exploring early childhood educators’ perceptions can determine what they need to teach children with challenging behaviors for a thriving classroom environment. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to better understand educators’ perceptions regarding the type of professional development …

Challenges In Improving Private Early Childhood Program Quality In Trinidad And Tobago From The Perspectives Of Program Administrators, Elizabeth Josephine King Oliver

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In 2003, the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education recommended that the early childhood care and education sector be regulated to improve the quality of programs. The problem is that the sector remains unregulated, and improving program quality in the private sector remains a challenge. This basic qualitative study examined private early childhood program administrators’ perspectives on challenges to improve program quality in Trinidad and Tobago. The research questions investigated the challenges private early childhood program administrators encountered in improving program quality and support needed for improvement. Ten purposively sampled private early childhood program administrators shared their perspectives. The conceptual …

Educators' Perspectives Of How To Support The Reading Needs Of Grade 3 Through Grade 6 Students With Low Ses Resources, Antoinette Laura Matthews

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In an urban school district in a southwestern state, the problem investigated was that elementary educators are struggling to support the reading needs of Grade 3 through Grade 6 students from families having limited access to economic resources. Students with higher socioeconomic status (SES) outperform students with low SES backgrounds. Students with proficient reading skills demonstrate higher overall academic performance and more post-secondary opportunities. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to investigate educators’ perspectives of why current reading interventions have not been successful for Grade 3 through Grade 6 students at the target site. Using Bandura’s social learning …

Primary Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Wilson Reading Fundations Program For Struggling Readers, Kianga Tene Mckinney

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Despite 3 years of implementation, educators at McKinnley Elementary School (pseudonym) did not know teachers’ perceptions about whether the Wilson Reading Fundations Program (WRFP) was helping K-3rd grade teachers assist struggling readers with becoming proficient in reading in the elementary grades. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to obtain primary teachers’ perceptions regarding how instructional components of the WRFP challenged or strengthened their instructional practices with assisting struggling readers gaining proficiency. Engelmann’s theory of instruction, Orton-Gillingham’s approach, and Engestrom’s activity theory were the theoretical frameworks that guided this study. Fifteen K-3rd grade teachers who implemented WRFP and …

Experiences And Perceptions Of Local Diocesan Catholic School Teachers Regarding The Progress Of Their Implementation Of Project-Based Learning In The Classroom, Donna Lee Saladino

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractAfter finding research confirming that the innovative approach of project-based learning (PBL) improves 21st century education for all students, the administrators of a large local diocesan Catholic school system (LDCSS) initiated PBL implementation in their schools. The problem was that after 6 years it was not known how the teachers were experiencing and perceiving their progress with this implementation in the classrooms. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to discover and understand LDCSS teachers’ experiences and perceptions of their progress of PBL implementation in the classroom. The conceptual framework for the study comprised John Dewey’s educational philosophy of …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On Their Responses To Children’S Challenging Behaviors, Dr. Sharon Denise Scallion

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractThe problem that was the focus of this study was the high rate of suspensions and expulsions of preschool children enrolled in independently funded childcare centers in Texas, and the lack of understanding of preschool teachers’ response to children’s challenging behavior. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore preschool teachers’ perspective on how they handle children’s challenging behaviors, and what inclines teachers toward suspending or expelling children from independently funded childcare centers. Liu’s theory of children’s externalizing behavior provided the conceptual framework for the study. Ten preschool teachers from urban, independently funded childcare centers in Texas were …

Information, Communication, And Technology In Developing Countries: The Impediment To Nigeria Economic Growth, Fatima Ali Muhammed

Dissertations and Theses

Technological revolution has shifted the world to a post-industrial society as information communication and technology (ICT) govern the centrality of human interaction. ICT has become widely influential at all levels of life, especially socially and economically.

In the 21st century, innovative technologies have become a crucial element of accelerating all factors of production to deliver rapid and effective results in every sector of the economy. The Internet, as a component of ICT, has become the global computing network that facilitates the access, analysis and dissemination of infinite information rapidly using advanced technology.

Policy makers, researchers, business leaders, academics are all …

The Scientific Curiosity Of Preservice Elementary Teachers And Confidence For Teaching Specific Science Topics, Allison Antink-Meyer, Melisa Brown, Alex Wolfe

Faculty Publications - College of Education

This study explored whether, and how, preservice elementary teachers’ scientific curiosity related to their confidence for science teaching. A group of 29 preservice, elementary teachers in the U.S. engaged in a curiosity journaling strategy across a 16-week scientific inquiry course. Their expressions of curiosity were coded using Luce and Hsi’s framework of curiosity. Whether expressions of curiosity related to their confidence for teaching associated science topics was examined statistically. In addition, the categories of their curiosity were coded and are described across eight journal entries. The nature of the relationship between scientific curiosity and science teaching confidence, as well as …

Teaching Is Messy: Using Lesson Study To Reimagine Student-Centered Clinical Experiences, Kristina Falbe, Robyn Seglem

Faculty Publications - College of Education

Teacher preparation is dependent on a clinical model of instruction where students apprentice with licensed teachers to gain experience in a classroom. It is not always easy to create these opportunities in schools that are local to the university, especially with a large middle-level program. This qualitative study examines how using lesson study in an early clinical experience can create high-quality experiences and develop innovative thinking around lesson design. This research answers the following questions: (1) What events do the preservice teachers identify as memorable in their interactions with students, peers, and teachers during a clinical experience that uses the …

Collaborative Lesson Study: A Qualitative Case Study Of Elementary Teachers’ Professional Learning Experience, Arlene D. Harmon

Theses and Dissertations

Teacher collaboration practices in schools have impacted how teachers work together to prevent professional isolation. The mandate of collaborative practices has resulted in some teachers expressing frustration and a lack of benefit from their current experiences. The purpose of this qualitative case study, conducted in the Southeast region of the United States, was to determine if lesson study provided a more meaningful collaborative approach during focused group sessions. Using New London Group’s (1996) designs of meaning concept encapsulated in the Pedagogy of Multiliteracies Theoretical Framework to gauge the relevance of lesson study, I sought to explore a deeper understanding of …

A Paradox Of Fact And Fiction: Cultivating The 'Literary Imagination' Through Quiet Rebellion, Eden A. Evans

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The dissertation explores the problems that patterned and processed teaching and learning poses for implementing principles of critical pedagogy in English Literature courses. I apply multiple theoretical frameworks including literary theory, critical theory and post-humanism to place my own experiences amidst the on-going conversations about standardization and democracy. I draw upon the work of educational theorists such as Maxine Greene, Martha Nussbaum, Louise Rosenblatt, and Mary Aswell Doll to explore the ways that literature can enrich students’ lives and society, and Geneva Gay and Lisa Delpit to explore how cultural bias regarding linguistics can function when teaching literature and language …

Educator Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy And Preparedness To Work In High Poverty Schools, Kristen Carroll

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

The school leader and teacher have the greatest impact on student success. The level of self-efficacy and level of preparedness is of the utmost importance for educators and students alike. This study investigated the perceptions of educators in the belief of whether they were adequately prepared to teach in a high poverty school. The participants, educators from four school districts, completed a survey based on their perceptions of their own level of self-efficacy and preparedness to work in high poverty schools. The results of this study are aimed at impacting educator preparedness to better understand how to best support …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives On Referring Black Students For Disciplinary Action, Adriuna Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Schools have reported disparities in the use of discipline on a nationwide scale. The problem for this study was that early childhood teachers referred Black students for disciplinary action or exclusionary discipline at higher rates than their peers.The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of referring Black students for disciplinary action. Weinstein, Curran, and Tomlinson-Clarke’s model of culturally responsive classroom management formed the conceptual framework that guided this study. The research question focused on teacher perspectives about referring Black students for disciplinary action. A basic qualitative design was used to capture the insights …

Teacher Perceptions About Using Collaborative Inquiry In Professional Learning Communities, Linda Maria Armwood

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

A large suburban school system in the mid-Atlantic United States identified the Data Wise Improvement Process (DWIP) as a systemic strategy to achieve the district-wide goal of student achievement for college and career readiness. Elementary science teachers marginally participated in school-based instructional team meetings to analyze student data. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand teacher perceptions of working with colleagues in a collaborative learning environment focused on shared student data. Adult learning theory, social constructivist theory, and collaborative inquiry practices served as the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected through an electronic web-based survey …

Perspectives On Motor Skills Necessary For Kindergarteners’ Formal School Readiness, Allyson M. Schildt

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Researchers have noted that before children can learn academics, they must first have developed motor skills. Motor skills are foundational to learning and integrated into other domains of learning as a child develops. The problem addressed through this basic qualitative study is that some kindergarten students in the northeastern United States lack motor skills necessary for formal school readiness, and kindergarten teachers are challenged to support students’ development of motor skills necessary for formal school readiness. The purpose of this study was to explore kindergarten teacher perspectives on kindergarten students’ motor skills necessary for formal school readiness. Thelen’s dynamic systems …

Reading Teachers’ Perspectives On Professional Development In Phonological Methods And Implementation Of Instructional Strategies, Lisa M. Toole

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this research study was although kindergarten through Grade 3 (K–3) reading teachers have received specific professional development in phonological methods, a gap in practice exists with the implementation of instructional strategies. The purpose of this study was to explore K–3 reading teachers' perspectives regarding their professional development in phonological methods and what further professional development is needed for consistent and effective implementation of instructional strategies to support student achievement in phonemic awareness and phonics. Flavell's theory of thinking about thinking, otherwise known as metacognition, was the grounding conceptual framework. The research questions guided the study by …

Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives Of Being A Pbis Coach, Tiesha Laquan Allen

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

School districts across the United States have seen an increase in the number of students who need behavioral support. The problem is that early childhood teachers who serve as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) coaches have challenges implementing the PBIS framework because of lack of buy in and resources such as time and funding. This basic qualitative study was conducted to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives of being a PBIS coach and their experiences with implementation within the school. The conceptual framework used for this study was implementation science. The research questions for this qualitative study focused on the …

Perspectives Of Teachers On The Use Of Technology Within The Preschool Experience, Cynthia L. Basse

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Due to the increased use of technology in people’s lives, digital media literacy has become increasingly more important in young children’s early experiences. When used appropriately, children discover how to use digital media in ways that enhance their learning, preparing them for the positive benefits of technology use across their lifetime. The problem investigated in this study is that preschool teachers reported they did not use technology within the preschool experience. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perspectives on technology use within the preschool experience. The conceptual framework for this qualitative study was developmentally appropriate practice. The …