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Title: THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL PRESENCE ON TEACHER TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE, CONTINUANCE INTENTION, AND PERFORMANCE IN AN ONLINE TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE.
Creator: Smith, Jo, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could explain the relationship between teacher's acceptance of an online teacher professional development course and their continuance intentions regarding online teacher professional development (oTPD). This study focused on the perceptions of the teachers as opposed to the design or implementation of oTPD. The participants (N=517) were mostly teachers (88.8%) enrolled in a statewide online course to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could explain the relationship between teacher's acceptance of an online teacher professional development course and their continuance intentions regarding online teacher professional development (oTPD). This study focused on the perceptions of the teachers as opposed to the design or implementation of oTPD. The participants (N=517) were mostly teachers (88.8%) enrolled in a statewide online course to provide classroom teachers with the latest knowledge of research-based instructional reading strategies. The course was offered over a 10-14 week period during the Spring 2006 semester through a public state university. Structural equation modeling was used to create a path analytic model extending the TAM to include two additional constructs: sociability and social presence. In addition, gains in instructional reading strategies knowledge (performance) were examined. Using this expanded version of the TAM, the study examined the causal relationships between sociability, social presence, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, continuance intention, and gains. Online distance education research has indicated that social presence can influence post-secondary students' attitude and persistence within a web-based course. However a paucity of research exists on how technology acceptance and social presence impacts teachers within an online teacher professional development setting. Path analysis, univariate analysis of variance, and independent t-tests in SPSS v12.0 for Windows were used to analyze the data. The results suggest that the hypothesized extended model was a good fit. The model did indicate that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were determinants of teachers' intent to continue using oTPD for future professional development needs.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001455, ucf:47064
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001455

Title: A CASE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF INQUIRY BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE USE OF A MENTOR ON AN ALTERNATIVELY CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHER'S SCIENCE TEACHING SELF-EFFICACY.
Creator: Thrift, Michelle, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: One alternatively certified elementary teacher was the subject of this sixteen week research study on science teaching self-efficacy. The researcher taught inquiry based student level science lessons to the fourth grade teacher. The teacher participant, in turn, taught those same lessons to her class while the researcher observed and took field notes. The participant responded to specific open ended questions in a journal after each science experience and also completed three interviews with...
Show moreOne alternatively certified elementary teacher was the subject of this sixteen week research study on science teaching self-efficacy. The researcher taught inquiry based student level science lessons to the fourth grade teacher. The teacher participant, in turn, taught those same lessons to her class while the researcher observed and took field notes. The participant responded to specific open ended questions in a journal after each science experience and also completed three interviews with the researcher. Each sequential lesson from the researcher was then modified based on participant needs. The participant completed the STEBI (Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument) as a pre and post test to measure the effects of the above mentioned activities. The collected data from the STEBI was reported quantitatively. The collected data from the reflective journal entries and interviews were reported qualitatively. After careful analysis of the data gathered for this case study, the researcher came to the conclusion that inquiry based professional development through the use of a mentor affected the alternatively certified elementary teacher's science teaching self-efficacy. The subject maintained a positive attitude about the use of a mentor for the duration of the study and her Personal Science Teaching Efficacy increased or stayed the same on all of the STEBI questions. Limitations of the study as well as recommendations for further research were also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001618, ucf:47189
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001618

Title: PERCEPTIONS OF PRESERVICE TEACHER CANDIDATES TOWARDS GIFTED EDUCATION TRAINING AND OBTAINING THE GIFTED EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATE IN FLORIDA.
Creator: Laschober, Zachary, Eriksson, Gillian, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: According to the Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration, training in gifted education is inaccessible by teacher candidates in colleges of education in the United States. This study involved the use of questionnaires with 100 teacher candidates enrolled on an introductory course on diversity in education in a Florida university. Teacher candidates responded to a series of items to identify beliefs about giftedness within and outside the context of education as well as the value of...
Show moreAccording to the Institute for Research and Policy on Acceleration, training in gifted education is inaccessible by teacher candidates in colleges of education in the United States. This study involved the use of questionnaires with 100 teacher candidates enrolled on an introductory course on diversity in education in a Florida university. Teacher candidates responded to a series of items to identify beliefs about giftedness within and outside the context of education as well as the value of training in gifted education for educators. Of the 100 respondents, 79% agreed or strongly agreed with the need for specialized training for educators working with gifted students. 60.6% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with outcomes with gifted students being positively influenced by research of and experiences with gifted students. The data showed a statistically significant, positive correlation between attitudes towards giftedness within education and agreement with outcomes with gifted students being positively influenced by research of and experiences with gifted students. Results suggest teacher candidates recognize a value in training in gifted education but do not see themselves as gifted educators and are unaware of how to be trained in gifted education.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFH0004277, ucf:44940
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004277

Title: A CONFIRMATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS OFTEACHING PRESENCE WITHIN THE FLORIDA ONLINE READING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
Creator: Stevison, Melinda, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The Community of Inquiry model provides a framework for recognizing and evaluating interpersonal behaviors in online educational settings. One of its three components, teaching presence (TP), describes those behaviors that are under the auspices of the online instructor. By examining these interactions and behaviors through the theoretical lens provided by teaching presence, and by measuring them with the Teaching Presence Scale (TPS), it may be possible to gain greater understanding of the...
Show moreThe Community of Inquiry model provides a framework for recognizing and evaluating interpersonal behaviors in online educational settings. One of its three components, teaching presence (TP), describes those behaviors that are under the auspices of the online instructor. By examining these interactions and behaviors through the theoretical lens provided by teaching presence, and by measuring them with the Teaching Presence Scale (TPS), it may be possible to gain greater understanding of the practices employed most effectively by online instructors. This dissertation describes the background, theoretical and empirical foundations, methods, and results of a study on TP. The purpose of the study was threefold: to validate the use of the TPS in an online professional development setting outside of the higher education context in which it was designed and tested; to confirm the factor composition of TP among facilitators in an online professional development course; and to determine the extent and direction of the relationship between teaching presence and student satisfaction. The participants in this study (n = 718) were in-service educators enrolled at the Florida Online Reading Professional Development program. They responded to an instrument that included the 28 original TPS questions, plus 17 student satisfaction and 11 demographic items. Confirmatory factor analysis and Pearson's correlation were used to answer the three research questions and corresponding hypotheses. The research questions were answered in the affirmative, and the null hypotheses rejected. There was support for the use of the TPS in an online professional development setting (all 28 TPS items loaded as hypothesized on the three TP factors); support for a three-factor model of TP using 17 of the 28 TPS items (X2 [116, N = 718] = 115.56, p = .49, CFI = .999; NNFI = .999; SRMR = .02; and RMSEA = .03); and evidence of a strong relationship between components of TP and student satisfaction (statistically significant correlations [p < .001] between TP and student satisfaction, r2 values ranging from .25 to .57). A discussion of the results, implications for practice, implications for further research, and limitations of the study were presented following the data analysis.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002941, ucf:47985
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002941

Title: A Model-Based Approach to Mobile Learning and Digital Literacy.
Creator: Ramsey, Zena, Gunter, Glenda, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Hartshorne, Richard, Coggins, Patrick, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research study was to 1) explore models of technology implementation programs and professional development interventions that promote the successful integration of mobile devices (iPads) in a small elementary school in a large Central Florida school district, and 2) identify the needs of the instructional staff to design a professional development intervention to meet these needs. This school will be referred to as School A.In the U.S., the ownership of mobile devices,...
Show moreThe purpose of this research study was to 1) explore models of technology implementation programs and professional development interventions that promote the successful integration of mobile devices (iPads) in a small elementary school in a large Central Florida school district, and 2) identify the needs of the instructional staff to design a professional development intervention to meet these needs. This school will be referred to as School A.In the U.S., the ownership of mobile devices, such as iPads is on the rise. For example, 88% of American teenagers between ages 13 and 17 have access to a mobile phone, and 73% of teenagers have a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2015). This has increased from 2013, when 78% of teenagers ages 12-17 had a cell phone, 47% of which were smartphones (Pew Research Center, 2013). Also, 58% of teens in this age group have a tablet (Pew Research Center, 2015). These devices, over other devices such as desktop computers, are becoming more commonly used to access the Internet (Pew Research Internet Project, 2014). This rise in mobile device ownership and usage by students and young adults in their daily lives has prompted educators to look toward mobile devices as potential educational tools to engage students (Herro, Kiger, (&) Owens, 2013). Developments in mobile technology have made these devices more accessible and versatile with Wi-Fi capabilities and a variety of applications (Wu et al., 2012).In this research study, a case study design using mixed methods was used to identify problems that exist in teachers' using and integrating iPads and to suggest solutions. The mixed-method data collection incorporated elements of qualitative research through a case study and elements of quantitative analysis through the use of descriptive statistics. An iPad survey was developed by the researcher and used to gather qualitative data at School A regarding teacher perceptions and experiences related to integrating iPads into classroom instruction. The sample population (n = 15) consisted of classroom teachers, support teachers, and academic coaches. The total population of teachers at School A was 34. Teacher responses were analyzed for common emergent themes as well as through the use of descriptive statistics consistent with data analysis methods for case study research (Cresswell, 2006). Additional qualitative data was gathered through the review of documents related to School A's iPad initiative and observational data regarding teacher training, and the applications loaded and used on the iPads were gathered via the researcher's role as the Apple Program Facilitator. Demographic data was also collected via the iPad survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics.The results revealed that 23% percent of teacher respondents were not currently integrating iPads into their classroom instruction, whereas 73% of teacher respondents reported that they were. Common instructional activities and strategies implemented via iPads included small group instruction, assessment, research, and projects. Additionally, it was found that 53% of the teacher respondents expressed interest in face-to-face (F2F) or Web-based professional development (PD) sessions, which included both users and non-users of the iPads. Further research should be conducted regarding how to best maximize teacher involvement in PD designed to train them how to effectively integrate iPads into their classroom instruction, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile device PD program, once in place, with respect to how classroom instruction is enhanced through the integration of the iPads and the impact on student learning.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006700, ucf:51910
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006700

Title: Promoting Recovery in Trauma Affected Children: Developing a School-Based Professional DevelopmentTool for Teacher Awareness and Intervention.
Creator: Ioannides Sperber, Ellen, Hewitt, Randall, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Van Horn, Stacy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACT The problem of practice addressed in this paper is the need for professional development training in the educational setting on the social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students who have experienced a traumatic event. The need identified exists due to the lack of knowledge, interest, and opportunity to partake in professional development training in an effort to understand the impact trauma has on academic achievement and the toll that is placed on the...
Show moreABSTRACT The problem of practice addressed in this paper is the need for professional development training in the educational setting on the social, emotional, academic, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students who have experienced a traumatic event. The need identified exists due to the lack of knowledge, interest, and opportunity to partake in professional development training in an effort to understand the impact trauma has on academic achievement and the toll that is placed on the school environment. The purpose of this paper is to review research on childhood trauma, examine the psychological impact on student academic achievement, foster child resiliency, and develop a foundation for effectuating change through a school-based intervention program that concentrates on promoting recovery in affected children. Traumatic events are a very real part of life that becomes a societal problem when a very young mind has to cope with the aftermath of the event. A survey and two interviews were administered to inform the professional development framework of the needs of students and teachers along with research on social-emotional learning, psychological resilience, and recovery methods offering an informative vehicle for change that will significantly impact the child's life. Cultivating Resilience Through The Arms of Academics is a school-based professional development framework designed to educate teaching professionals on the psycho-social needs of trauma affected children while providing systematic interventions designed to help these children with the factors necessary for healing to the extent allowable by the public school system. Schools are targeted to provide the interventions necessary for healing due to their extensive influence on the children they serve. This program will provide children with an emotionally safe environment thus establishing a school climate that is conducive for learning. The interventions in the program promote healing for trauma victims, assist teachers by providing strategies to engage the trauma affected students, and addresses the psycho-social competence and educational performance of all children in the educational population.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006689, ucf:52874
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006689

Title: THE ROLE OF WEB 2.0 AND SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY IN EDUCATION AS A FORM OF TEACHER PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Creator: Smith, Brandi, Gunter, Glenda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teachers are facing greater technological demands. They are expected to use and teach their students to use various forms of collaborative technology (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2010). Personal professional development is professional development that teachers seek on their own, strictly on a voluntary basis, so that they can meet the needs of their students or address issues that are unique to their classroom. This study used a survey to examine the relationship between how...
Show moreTeachers are facing greater technological demands. They are expected to use and teach their students to use various forms of collaborative technology (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2010). Personal professional development is professional development that teachers seek on their own, strictly on a voluntary basis, so that they can meet the needs of their students or address issues that are unique to their classroom. This study used a survey to examine the relationship between how teachers' reported using social media community in education for personal professional development and the criteria for effective professional development, teachers' integration practices, teachers' frequency of collaboration, and teachers' ability to communicate with colleagues. The results revealed a relationship between the criteria that a professional development be content specific and coherent and integrated with teachers' daily lives and whether or not teachers report using social media community in education as a form of professional development. There was also a statistically significant relationship between the frequency of technology integration, the reported level of technology integration, and the feeling of growth based on whether or not teachers used social media community in education to enhance professional practices. A statistically significant relationship was found between the frequency at which teachers report collaborating on technology integration projects with colleagues in social media communities in education and whether or not respondents use Social media community in education connect with other educational professionals. Finally, a statistically significant relationship was found between how comfortable participants are giving technology integration advice to colleagues in social media communities in education based on whether or not respondents use social media community in education to share materials and ideas. Based on the findings of the study, several implications can be made regarding the use of social networks for personal professional development. First, the use of social networks for personal professional development is best when there is content specificity and cohesion with teachers' personal and professional goals. Secondly the users of a social network for personal professional development must purposeful in their reasons for using the social network, users must perceive themselves as capable of learning and they must have the willingness to commit to learning. Another implication is that increased levels of ownership for the material in social media communities in education would result in greater frequency of collaboration. Finally, teachers' perceptions of their integration abilities will determine if teachers will use social networks to communicate professionally with colleagues.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004027, ucf:49179
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004027

Title: An Analysis of Teacher Action Research Focused on Differentiated Instruction for Student Subgroups in One Florida School District in 2009-2010.
Creator: Madden, Michelle, Taylor, Rosemarye, Pawlas, George, Witta, Eleanor, Little, Mary, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examined the action research reports written by teachers in one Florida school district after they had received professional development on differentiated instruction and the action research process in the 2009-2010 school year. The 69 reports that were completed by the teachers were assessed using the Action Research Rubric that was developed for this study. This rubric evaluated whether the reports contained the elements of action research along with the characteristics that the...
Show moreThis study examined the action research reports written by teachers in one Florida school district after they had received professional development on differentiated instruction and the action research process in the 2009-2010 school year. The 69 reports that were completed by the teachers were assessed using the Action Research Rubric that was developed for this study. This rubric evaluated whether the reports contained the elements of action research along with the characteristics that the district emphasized as part of the professional development such as differentiation, student subgroups, and collaboration.The Action Research Rubric contained seven subscales: Purpose of the Study, Plan, Professional Collaboration and Resources, Data and Evidence, Results, Instructional Decisions and Professional Reflection, and Sharing Results. Descriptive statistics were found for the aggregate group of reports as well as subgroups depending upon the school level (elementary, middle, or high school), the types of teachers within the elementary category, or the FCAT subject area of focus for the report. Overall, the action research reports met the district's standard as measured by the Action Research Rubric. As an aggregate group, the reports also met the standard on the Purpose of the Study, Professional Collaboration and Resource, and Data and Evidence Subscales. They did not perform as well on the Plan and Sharing Results Subscales.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0004131, ucf:49095
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004131

Title: Quasi-Experimental Study: The Effects of Virtual Covert Audio Coaching on Teachers' Transfer of Knowledge from Professional Development to Classroom Practice.
Creator: Jackson-Lee, Marilyn, Hines, Rebecca, Gunter, Glenda, Boote, David, Boulware, Donald, Sena, Leslie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTA quasi-experimental multiple time series design was used to analyze and compare the impact of two types of instructional coaching, face-to-face and virtual covert audio provided with Bluetooth technology, on teacher transfer of knowledge learned in professional development into classroom practice. Teacher transfer across baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases was analyzed. The study was conducted at a public elementary school in a Florida suburban school district with...
Show moreABSTRACTA quasi-experimental multiple time series design was used to analyze and compare the impact of two types of instructional coaching, face-to-face and virtual covert audio provided with Bluetooth technology, on teacher transfer of knowledge learned in professional development into classroom practice. Teacher transfer across baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases was analyzed. The study was conducted at a public elementary school in a Florida suburban school district with approximately 750 students. Twelve teachers were randomly selected from teachers who volunteered to attend professional development. Six teachers (one from each grade level K-5) in the treatment group received virtual covert audio coaching. Six teachers (one from each grade level K-5) in the control group received face-to-face coaching.Professional development was on RallyCoach(TM), a Kagan cooperative learning structure, which allows students to interact and practice procedural learning such as calculating math algorithms, defending a point of view, or editing writing. This structure was chosen to provide teachers with an instructional tool to teach and provide students practice for the speaking and listening strand of the Common Core State Standards. RallyCoach(TM) was also chosen to increase student engagement.Data analysis included descriptive statistics and visual analysis methods. Both the control and treatment groups increased the mean (level) percentages of RallyCoachTM components implemented across time from baseline to intervention and from intervention to maintenance. There was an increasing trend line for implementation of RallyCoachTM components across phases for both study groups. The decreasing standard deviation across phases represented a decreasing variability of data and can be considered to show a treatment affect for both types of coaching. Teachers who received both types of coaching continued increased implementation into the maintenance phase when the coaching intervention was removed. Data analysis revealed an increasing percentage of student pairs providing positive student-to-student interaction with an increasing trend line and a decreasing standard deviation (reduced variability) across time over phases. Face-to-face and virtual coaching had a positive impact on student-to-student positive interaction.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004867, ucf:49675
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004867

Title: Perceptions of Secondary Education Teachers Working in an Inclusive Setting.
Creator: Pacha, Destiny, Hopp, Carolyn, Reyes, Maria, Vitale, Thomas, Pratt Marrett, Caroline, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices....
Show moreThis dissertation in practice addresses the continuous underperformance of students with disabilities (SWD) on standardized assessments when compared to their non-disabled peers. This dissertation on the complex problem of practice investigates secondary education teachers' perceptions of students with disabilities and their ability to be included in the general education classroom. The purpose of this research is to develop a professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices. Students with disabilities nationwide are increasingly taught in the general education classroom in order to provide them access to their least restrictive environment and instruction of the general education curriculum. The beliefs held by teachers about students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom is one key variable to the successful inclusion as measured by student outcomes. To provide necessary support, it is imperative to understand teachers' attitude towards students with disabilities and their inclusion in the general education classroom. Based on the survey results and relevant research, the professional development framework to enhance inclusive practices was developed and will focus on three elements: (a) school culture and understanding of inclusion, (b) effective inclusive teaching strategies, and (c) collaboration models and techniques. The goal of the professional development framework is for administrators and other school leaders to provide appropriate learning opportunities for teachers to enhance their understanding of inclusion and to provide them strategies and techniques to improve student outcomes in an effort to close the achievement gap between students with and without disabilities.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006368, ucf:51495
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006368

Title: Supporting Prekindergarten Teachers Through Appropriate Professional Development Practices.
Creator: Twyman, Catherine, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Boote, David, Culp, Anne, Englehart, Deirdre, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The problem of practice that this dissertation in practice addresses is the creation of a professional development model designed to assist voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) teachers and directors with the implementation of the 2011 Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds; specifically the mathematical thinking benchmark. Because the standards serve as a planning guide to assist teachers and directors of VPK children in the attainment of skills required by the end of their...
Show moreThe problem of practice that this dissertation in practice addresses is the creation of a professional development model designed to assist voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) teachers and directors with the implementation of the 2011 Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds; specifically the mathematical thinking benchmark. Because the standards serve as a planning guide to assist teachers and directors of VPK children in the attainment of skills required by the end of their prekindergarten school year, it is important that those utilizing the Standards have a concrete understanding of their components and how to use them as the foundation for all lesson planning. The pilot study included informal interviews with both VPK teachers and directors concerning their understanding of the 2011 Early Learning and Developmental Standards for Four-Year-Olds and the assistance they received with the implementation of the standards into their daily lesson plans. An additional survey was administered electronically to a target group of VPK teachers and directors concerning their personal beliefs about preschoolers and mathematics, their confidence in helping preschoolers learn mathematical concepts, and their confidence in their personal mathematics abilities.This dissertation in practice provides a professional development framework, that demonstrates how to facilitate a comprehensive professional development program that addresses all of the essential components including pre-assessment, the use of appropriate practices when working with adult learners, providing coaching and technical assistance to the practitioners, and using communities of practice (CoP) to provide ongoing support for teachers and directors of VPK children. Utilizing a combination of these strategies can help to ensure that those working with this targeted group have an inclusive understanding of the standards as well as a support system to effectively provide VPK students with a developmentally appropriate education.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006407, ucf:51463
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006407

Title: Five School District Mentor Models for Secondary Mathematics and Science Teachers in a Job Embedded University Teacher Preparation Program.
Creator: Karcinski, Lisa, Taylor, Rosemarye, Swan, Bonnie, Doherty, Walter, Baldwin, Lee, Wilson, Corbet, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Mentoring was a component of the Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3), a Race to the Top (RTTT) program funded project. RTTT funded efforts reward states that have demonstrated success in raising student achievement and have the best plans to accelerate learning in the future (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Five Florida school districts implemented different variations of the RTP3 mentor model and due to the unique needs of each school district, context differences...
Show moreMentoring was a component of the Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3), a Race to the Top (RTTT) program funded project. RTTT funded efforts reward states that have demonstrated success in raising student achievement and have the best plans to accelerate learning in the future (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Five Florida school districts implemented different variations of the RTP3 mentor model and due to the unique needs of each school district, context differences in effectiveness may have emerged. The purpose of the study was to determine the differences among the five mentor models, the extent to which these differences may relate to variances in mentoring effectiveness, and the impact on persistence of the resident teachers in teaching. School district designee interviews were conducted and mentor and resident teacher surveys were administered. Interview and survey data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach (Glaser (&) Strauss, 1967) and open coding (Strauss (&) Corbin, 1990) to determine mentor and resident teacher perceptions of the effectiveness of the RTP3 mentoring support.The findings of the research suggest that the decisions of the five partner school districts to add additional targeted supports to their mentor models had an impact on increased persistence rates and decreased rates of resident teachers leaving the field of teaching. The majority of mentors perceived that common professional learning increased their capacity as a mentor to a moderate or large degree. The findings suggest that resident teachers who had school-based mentors perceived that their mentors were somewhat to very influential in assisting them in being more effective teachers. There were limitations to this study. Five school districts in the state of Florida were used in the study, and the sample of survey and interview participants were limited. Therefore results may not be able to be generalized to other school districts in Florida or other states. Additionally, the objectivity of survey and interview participants may be questioned because the participants were employees of the school district. However, it was assumed that participant's responses to the survey and interview questions were candid.Further research is recommended that would examine variations in school district mentor preparation and selection processes. Further recommendations would include evaluating different mentor models within the same context to better examine the impact of specific components of mentoring programs and considering the effectiveness of the mentee based on not only mentee perception of increased effectiveness, but effectiveness as determined by the school district-adopted evaluation system. Another avenue for future research to broaden and support the findings in this study would be to access whether effective mentoring models differ depending on the context and based on the needs and experiences of the beginning teachers.?
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005639, ucf:50231
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005639

Title: Replacing the "Raise Your Hand to Speak" Rule with New Social and Sociomathematical Norms in an Elementary Mathematics Classroom.
Creator: Brooks, Lisa, Dixon, Juli, Andreasen, Janet, Ortiz, Enrique, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This qualitative study documents the establishment of new social and sociomathematical norms in a second grade classroom. The teacher allowed students to speak directly to one another without having to raise their hands first during whole group mathematics instruction. Reform efforts in mathematics and the standards for mathematical practice contained in the Common Core State Standards call for students to discuss their reasoning with each other. Data were collected through interviews with...
Show moreThis qualitative study documents the establishment of new social and sociomathematical norms in a second grade classroom. The teacher allowed students to speak directly to one another without having to raise their hands first during whole group mathematics instruction. Reform efforts in mathematics and the standards for mathematical practice contained in the Common Core State Standards call for students to discuss their reasoning with each other. Data were collected through interviews with the teacher and students, field notes, and video-recorded lessons over the course of 23 days. An online survey tool was utilized to share selected video of the teacher's instruction. Initial professional development topics were chosen from research in mathematics education related to the social construction of understanding. Ongoing professional development was responsive to what occurred during instruction. The literature suggests that teachers often utilize traditional teaching methods and struggle to deviate from established patterns regardless of their desire to implement change. The teacher in this study learned that allowing students to talk openly provided him with insight into their mathematical conceptions and misconceptions. The students initially viewed mathematics as a set of rules to follow and exhibited the role of passive recipients of information. This changed as students were provided opportunities to participate in discussions and in doing so developed a new understanding of their role during mathematics lessons. Mathematical errors became a catalyst for communication and were viewed by students as opportunities for assisting their peers.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005308, ucf:50517
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005308

Title: An exploration of secondary science grade teachers' written artifacts about their experiences with an online professional development in reading research and instruction: A grounded theory study.
Creator: Woodhall, Carmen, Zygouris-Coe, Vassiliki, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Lambie, Glenn, Swan, Bonnie, Haggerty, Dorothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Classroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school...
Show moreClassroom teachers deal with numerous pressures in their classrooms including students' difficulty with reading at the middle and high school levels. Often, teachers can identify the problems, but are often unable to rectify them because of a lack of understanding and support in incorporating reading as part of their content area instruction. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of a sustained, online reading professional development on the teaching practice of middle school and high school science teachers who took the 14-week course. This grounded theory research used the reflective assignment, a comprehensive, 10-week, job-embedded assignment of 62 science teachers, to generate categories and themes about the reading challenges they perceived in their own classrooms, what strategies and tools they chose to remedy those challenges, and the perceived changes they saw in their students and themselves. The theory that was derived from the data speaks to how effective, job-embedded reading professional development can impact the knowledge, motivation, and instructional practice of science teachers in the classroom.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004618, ucf:49932
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004618

Title: The Effect of Cognitively Guided Instruction on Students' Problem Solving Strategies and The Effect of Students' Use of Strategies on their Mathematics Achievement.
Creator: Sahin, Nesrin, Dixon, Juli, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Ortiz, Enrique, Bai, Haiyan, Schoen, Robert, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of teachers attending Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) professional development on students' problem solving strategies and the effect of students' use of strategies on their mathematics achievement as measured by a standardized test. First, the study analyzed the differences in students' use of strategies between treatment and control groups. The treatment was CGI professional development, and the teachers in the treatment group...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of teachers attending Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) professional development on students' problem solving strategies and the effect of students' use of strategies on their mathematics achievement as measured by a standardized test. First, the study analyzed the differences in students' use of strategies between treatment and control groups. The treatment was CGI professional development, and the teachers in the treatment group attended CGI workshops whereas the teachers in the control group did not. Next, the study analyzed the differences in the mathematics achievement of students between different strategy groups. A student posttest, which was ITBS (Math Problems and Math Computation), was used to compare students' mathematics achievement. A student pretest was used as a covariate. The results of this study showed that there were statistically significant differences in the students' use of strategies between the treatment and control groups at the second grade level. A greater percentage of treatment students used derived facts / recall strategies (the most advanced strategy for single-digit addition and subtraction) than control students did. The results related to the effect of students' use of strategies on their mathematics achievement showed that the students who used derived facst/recall strategies for single-digit problems had significantly higher mathematics achievement than students who used counting or concrete modeling strategies. Furthermore, the students who used invented algorithms for multi-digit problems had significantly higher mathematics achievement than the students who used standard algorithms.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005704, ucf:50137
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005704

Title: THE BORN VERSUS MADE DEBATE: AN EXAMINATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS' BELIEFS AND TEACHING PRACTICES.
Creator: Hardin, Christina, Gill, Michele, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research on the development of K-12 teachers' beliefs about and approaches to teaching and learning suggests that exposure to professional development programs can lead to the use of conceptual change strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process rather than on teacher-centered strategies focused on information transfer. However, within the existing literature on the development of teacher beliefs and approaches to teaching and learning there exists a void of...
Show moreResearch on the development of K-12 teachers' beliefs about and approaches to teaching and learning suggests that exposure to professional development programs can lead to the use of conceptual change strategies that engage students as active participants in the learning process rather than on teacher-centered strategies focused on information transfer. However, within the existing literature on the development of teacher beliefs and approaches to teaching and learning there exists a void of information pertaining to the development of community college instructors' beliefs and approaches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-tenure community college instructors' beliefs about teaching and learning, their approaches to the learning process, and the training they receive via a professional development program specifically established to provide training in teaching methods, pedagogy, curriculum, and/ or instruction. Forty community college instructors going through an established three-year tenure process completed a revised version of the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI-R) created by Trigwell and Prosser (1998). Data analysis revealed that there was no difference in the scores of instructors who had participated in the professional development program on teaching and learning and those instructors who had no exposure to courses that focused on teaching and learning. Further, findings suggest that instructors' participation in the courses is not related to their beliefs or teaching approaches. The findings of this study warrant a closer examination of programs designed to provide higher education instructors with training in pedagogy and instruction. Additionally, the findings present an opportunity for professional development programs to improve current practice.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003577, ucf:48920
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003577

Title: Classroom Error Climate: Teacher Professional Development to Improve Student Motivation.
Creator: O'Dell, Sean, Gill, Michele, Cox, Dr. Thomas, Hoffman, Bobby, Flanigan, Jacquelyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Student motivation and achievement are often low for students from low socioeconomic status households and may decline when children from all walks of life enter middle school. Despite years of studies describing these declines and efforts to improve learning outcomes, the trends continue. Motivation has been studied from several theoretical standpoints, among them, self-efficacy, beliefs, goal orientations, and emotions. This dissertation introduces error orientation: how teachers and...
Show moreStudent motivation and achievement are often low for students from low socioeconomic status households and may decline when children from all walks of life enter middle school. Despite years of studies describing these declines and efforts to improve learning outcomes, the trends continue. Motivation has been studied from several theoretical standpoints, among them, self-efficacy, beliefs, goal orientations, and emotions. This dissertation introduces error orientation: how teachers and students react to and use errors in the classroom. A positive error orientation, one that views errors as opportunities to learn rather than punishments, may help improve students' emotions, self-efficacy, and future goal orientations, while aligning their beliefs in a more adaptive direction, thus reducing maladaptive academic motivation. A professional development design is proposed here to train teachers in using errors to the advantage of the learner by creating a positive error climate in their classrooms.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005856, ucf:50917
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005856

Title: Site-Embedded Professional Development as a Means to Increase Teachers' Sense of Efficacy: Lessons from a Middle School Quasi-Experimental Study.
Creator: Roy, Melissa, Gill, Michele, Allen, Kay, Hutchinson, Cynthia, Dehlinger, Robin, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to provide site-embedded professional development and coaching support to middle school teachers in an attempt to increase their sense of efficacy for teaching even the most difficult students. The entire faculty (64 teachers) at Jordan Ridge Middle School participated in this intervention. The theoretical framework used to guide this study was conceptual change theory (Pintrich, Marx, (&) Boyle, 1993); specifically, Gregoire's (2003) Cognitive...
Show moreThe purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to provide site-embedded professional development and coaching support to middle school teachers in an attempt to increase their sense of efficacy for teaching even the most difficult students. The entire faculty (64 teachers) at Jordan Ridge Middle School participated in this intervention. The theoretical framework used to guide this study was conceptual change theory (Pintrich, Marx, (&) Boyle, 1993); specifically, Gregoire's (2003) Cognitive-Affective Model of Conceptual Change (CAMCC) informed the design and interpretation of the intervention. A 33-item adaptation of the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES, Tschannen-Moran and Hoy, 2007) served as a quantitative measure and was administered to teachers at Jordan Ridge Middle School as a pre- and post- test. The same measure was administered to teachers at a neighboring school with similar demographics as a post-test to serve as a comparison. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered in the form of survey open response questions as well as monthly end-of class reflections in order to further illuminate the quantitative findings. The study's findings indicate that providing targeted, responsive, collaborative professional learning opportunities to teachers in the context of their own school may favorably influence their sense of efficacy. This study has practical and theoretical implications for the ways in which K12 teachers are provided opportunities for professional learning and growth.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006383, ucf:51538
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006383

Title: A Design and Implementation Plan for Professional Development and Curriculum Modules of Historical Literacy in the Social Studies Classroom.
Creator: Cowgill, Daniel, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Fine, Terri, Scheiner, Cicely, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this dissertation in practice was to create professional development and curriculum modules focused on historical literacy in order to help teachers fully engage students in learning historical literacy skills. Historical literacy is the ability to understand the importance of the source of a document, being able to close read a text, to place a source within its proper context, and to corroborate the information from one source to another. The implementation of a program of this...
Show moreThe goal of this dissertation in practice was to create professional development and curriculum modules focused on historical literacy in order to help teachers fully engage students in learning historical literacy skills. Historical literacy is the ability to understand the importance of the source of a document, being able to close read a text, to place a source within its proper context, and to corroborate the information from one source to another. The implementation of a program of this nature is designed to help teachers and students develop these skills with the hope that it positively impacts not only student learning in the social studies classroom, but will also have a positive impact on student test scores, student college experiences, students' future careers, and students' role within our civic society.Included within this dissertation in practice is a model for how to facilitate an effective professional development program that helps increase teacher efficacy, teacher skill level, and teacher use of historical literacy. This model pays special attention to ensuring that teachers also see how the demands of various standards and teacher evaluation systems can be addressed through the use of historical literacy. Suggested use for this dissertation in practice is the creation of professional development programs that help schools implement best practices throughout the learning organization.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005775, ucf:50057
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005775

Title: THE EFFECTS OF THE ATTAINMENT OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT SKILLS BY PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS ON STUDENTS' CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR.
Creator: Wagner, Karen, Cross, Lee, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of teaching functional assessment skills to three Prekindergarten teachers and their teaching assistants. The effects were measured by examining the behavior of the teachers and assistants, as well as the behaviors of the students; before, during and after the delivery of three, two-hour functional assessment classes. The teaching staff videotaped themselves and their students during a regular class time, predetermined by the researcher and each teacher prior to the onset of baseline data collection, over an approximate nine-week period. The video was taken in twelve-minute segments every day. Later, the video was coded for specific behaviors. Although there were gains in appropriate intervention strategies from teachers and assistants during the intervention phase, the interventions generally peaked a week or two after the classes ended and gradually declined. Teacher skills were retained however, as most ratios of appropriate interventions maintained at higher rates than baseline. Relationships between student behavior and correct teacher interventions were established and maintained. The intervention resulted in changes in staff behavior, but results did not sustain at high levels over time. The realization that escape maintained some student behavior, and teaching skills to "test" for function, were likely the most important concepts for many of the participants. Further research should include adding a behavior coach to assist in shaping the teaching staffs' emerging skills and to provide a sounding board when developing specific student interventions.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002088, ucf:47575
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002088

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