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- Title
- Technology Implementation in K-12 Schools: A Research Study of Perceptions and Practice.
- Creator
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Martinez, Kaitlin, Flammia, Madelyn, Jones, Daniel, Applen, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, even though 97% of classrooms have at least one instructional computer available, only 40% of teachers in public schools (including elementary and secondary) report using computers in the classroom often. My project aims to illustrate the barriers that are keeping K-12 teachers from integrating technology in their classrooms, such as the lack of availability for training, teacher's lack of knowledge or schooling, or a lack of IT...
Show moreAccording to the National Center for Education Statistics, even though 97% of classrooms have at least one instructional computer available, only 40% of teachers in public schools (including elementary and secondary) report using computers in the classroom often. My project aims to illustrate the barriers that are keeping K-12 teachers from integrating technology in their classrooms, such as the lack of availability for training, teacher's lack of knowledge or schooling, or a lack of IT support. It also discusses possible solutions to the problem, such as teacher training and better resources. By assessing the Level of Technology Integration, or LoTi, we can learn how much or how often a teacher is using technology in a classroom. My project consists of conducting a research study that will aim to reinforce the hypothesis that the LoTi in K-12 schools is lower than expected, considering the availability of computers and technology. By learning the severity of the obstacles teachers face, we can work on possible solutions. The findings of this study were that teachers face barriers that inhibit them from implementing technology no matter what type of school environment they are in. These barriers come from lack of time, access, but most strongly from the self-efficacy of the teachers. Teachers need professional development and training to develop their skills and confidence, which will positively impact students, the school, and the overall education system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004503, ucf:49279
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004503
- Title
- A QUALITATIVE CASE STUDY OF NOVICE KENYAN PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS: WHAT MESSAGES TRANSMITTED BY THE TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGES ARE INTERNALIZED AND APPLIED?.
- Creator
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Kranz, Carol, Biraimah, Karen, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The method of instruction and the formal curriculum within two Kenyan teacher training colleges were studied in order to discover which messages regarding pedagogical practice are internalized within novice Kenyan primary school teachers and then actualized within their classrooms. An educational connoisseurship approach was utilized to give descriptive, interpretive, evaluative, and thematic insight. Three data streams were collected through interview, observation, and design evaluation in...
Show moreThe method of instruction and the formal curriculum within two Kenyan teacher training colleges were studied in order to discover which messages regarding pedagogical practice are internalized within novice Kenyan primary school teachers and then actualized within their classrooms. An educational connoisseurship approach was utilized to give descriptive, interpretive, evaluative, and thematic insight. Three data streams were collected through interview, observation, and design evaluation in order to establish structural corroboration and internal validity. The study found that the method of instruction by the teacher training college faculty was teacher-centered and utilized lower order cognitive methodology. Though the formal curriculum design was strong, it too promoted lower cognitive processes. These two messages, teacher-centered pedagogies and lower cognitive processes, are being internalized and applied by the novice teachers and maybe affecting the quality of education in Kenyan schools. The results of this study suggest that pedagogical skills promoting higher cognitive levels should be developed through in-service training in Kenyan training colleges and primary schools as a way to improve the quality of education in this country.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003883, ucf:48729
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003883
- Title
- Hispanic Teacher's Experiences with Stressors in Title I Elementary Schools: A Phenomenological Investigation Using a Self-Compassion Framework.
- Creator
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Solomon, Coralis, Lambie, Glenn, Joe, Richelle, Shillingford-Butler, Ann, Hopp, Carolyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this exploratory phenomenology investigation was to understand what were Hispanic teachers' experiences with their occupational stressors while working in Title I elementary schools. Specifically, this investigation used a self-compassion theoretical framework to explore the emotional stressors of the participants (N = 19) and how they cope to mitigate their feelings of burnout. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit Hispanic teachers from three Title I elementary schools...
Show moreThe purpose of this exploratory phenomenology investigation was to understand what were Hispanic teachers' experiences with their occupational stressors while working in Title I elementary schools. Specifically, this investigation used a self-compassion theoretical framework to explore the emotional stressors of the participants (N = 19) and how they cope to mitigate their feelings of burnout. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit Hispanic teachers from three Title I elementary schools within the same school district in Central Florida. The data were collected through individual interviews with the Hispanic teachers who volunteered to participate in the study. All data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes following Colaizzi's (1978) methods. Trustworthiness measures employed throughout the investigation included the use of (a) clear articulation of methods in order to protect the integrity of the data, (b) reflection on the researcher's positionality and pre-conceived notions about the participants' experiences by using bracketing, (c) analyst triangulation of the collected data with peer debriefers, (d) member checking, and (e) a thorough description of previous literature (Creswell, 2013; Marshall (&) Crossman, 2006; Moustakas, 1994; Patton, 2015).Five themes emerged from the data analyses: (a) general stressors, (b) emotional stressors, (c) cultural stressors, (d) coping skills, and (e) teachers' recommendations for administrators. The five themes aligned with previous research findings, offering significant implications for future research, teacher and counselor educators, and school personnel. Specifically, findings from this investigation contribute to the literature by providing an increased understanding of cultural and emotional stressors experienced by Hispanic teachers in Title I elementary schools.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006663, ucf:51223
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006663
- Title
- Novice Science Teachers' Thinking About the Purpose of Teachers' Questions.
- Creator
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Crittenden, Gwyndolyn, Jeanpierre, Bobby, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Effective teacher questioning during whole group instruction remains an important pedagogy in science education, especially the importance of helping novice teachers to guide student thinking using effective questions. This study examined how novice secondary science teachers' understand the relationship between student thinking and teacher questioning. The sample was seven novice secondary science teachers' enrolled in the University of Central Florida's job embedded Resident Teacher...
Show moreEffective teacher questioning during whole group instruction remains an important pedagogy in science education, especially the importance of helping novice teachers to guide student thinking using effective questions. This study examined how novice secondary science teachers' understand the relationship between student thinking and teacher questioning. The sample was seven novice secondary science teachers' enrolled in the University of Central Florida's job embedded Resident Teacher Professional Preparation Program (RTP3). All participants received instruction and guided practice with the use of questions to elicit, probe, and challenge student ideas in the secondary science pedagogy class. Participants completed a questionnaire describing their teaching experience and science content knowledge. The primary data were think aloud interviews describing their thinking while observing two science instruction videos. Protocols, critical incident interviews, and field notes were transcribed and coded for analysis. Descriptive codes identified properly classified question types and the purpose or value of questions, student thinking, and student reaction to teacher questions. Pattern codes identified student engagement, feedback, wait time, and communication patterns. The think aloud used in this study provided insight into what the participants were thinking about the purposes of questions to elicit, probe, and challenge student ideas and gave insight into the decision process. Evidence from the protocol analysis provided insight about what the participants were thinking about the decisions made when attending to teacher questions and student thinking. All seven participants identified question types using language suggesting they understood the differences, but at a na(&)#239;ve level. Although participants used the correct language to show understanding of the question types, they had a fairly na(&)#239;ve understanding of the pedagogical purpose of the questions. This was especially true of the questions to elicit student ideas, but perhaps less true of the probing and challenging questions. The participants had more of a ritualistic understanding of the questions to elicit student ideas; they noticed them but perhaps did not have a deep understanding of this question type. Analyses of this study also revealed novice teachers learning is framed by the priorities of the public school system. All participants attended to teacher instruction, especially wait time and student engagement, while a few participants focused on feedback, praise, and higher- and lower-order questions. This study suggested school culture and the way teachers are now assessed may scaffold and support these teachers to have a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of questioning and student thinking than has previously been reported for novice/beginning teachers. While some aspects of school culture and assessment may be problematic- i.e. wait time, feedback, praise, higher-order questions, etc.-on the whole it seems to be leading them in the right direction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005153, ucf:50690
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005153
- Title
- The Preservice Elementary Teacher Affect Scale for Science: A Validation Study.
- Creator
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Wilder, Otis, Gill, Michele, Butler, Malcolm, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The current study details the creation of a new scale for measuring preservice teachers' positive affect for science, the Preservice Elementary Teacher Affect Scale for Science (PETAS-S). This new instrument is designed specifically to measure the level of positive affect towards the subject of science in preservice elementary teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis reveals the instrument loads on the single factor, positive affect. Reliability is robust, with Cronbach's alpha of .96. Positive...
Show moreThe current study details the creation of a new scale for measuring preservice teachers' positive affect for science, the Preservice Elementary Teacher Affect Scale for Science (PETAS-S). This new instrument is designed specifically to measure the level of positive affect towards the subject of science in preservice elementary teachers. Confirmatory factor analysis reveals the instrument loads on the single factor, positive affect. Reliability is robust, with Cronbach's alpha of .96. Positive affect has shown to predict future levels of engagement in domain specific academic subjects (Ainley (&) Ainley, 2011) and is expected to aid preservice teachers in understanding the complex relationship between their students' interest and enjoyment of science with their own. This research contributes to the important role of emotion in preservice teachers' attitudes toward the subject of science and how it may affect the way they teach it to their future students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006198, ucf:51104
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006198
- Title
- Teaching Fractions Procedurally and Conceptually to Pre-Service Elementary Education Teachers.
- Creator
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Edwards, Deborah, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Ortiz, Enrique, French, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to inform pre-service elementary education teachers of conceptual and procedural methods for teaching fractions. The problem of practice began when the researcher noticed a deficiency in fraction addition knowledge for a remedial mathematics program at a local private university. Further exposure of fraction knowledge for the 2014 third-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores at a local elementary charter school ascertained slightly...
Show moreThe purpose of this Dissertation in Practice was to inform pre-service elementary education teachers of conceptual and procedural methods for teaching fractions. The problem of practice began when the researcher noticed a deficiency in fraction addition knowledge for a remedial mathematics program at a local private university. Further exposure of fraction knowledge for the 2014 third-grade Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores at a local elementary charter school ascertained slightly above 50% of those students making a 70% percentile or higher. Now that Florida State Standards are aligned with the Common Core Standards, pre-service elementary teachers need to know how to teach fractions procedurally and conceptually. This research-based model was used to determine the level of fraction knowledge, math anxiety level, and present NCTM videos aligned with Common Core Standards. A key element of the model was the performance assessment of the participants teaching randomly selected fraction problems they had already encountered confirming the need for more professional development in this essential mathematics domain.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006215, ucf:51098
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006215
- Title
- Teachers' Utilization of Field Trips: A Comparative Study.
- Creator
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Kenna, Joshua, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Witta, Eleanor, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Field trips are visits to an out-of-school setting designed for educational and academic purposes whereby as a result students gain firsthand knowledge and experiences. Historically, it was the potential for student learning that motivated teachers to utilize field trips. However, there is reasonable suspicion among scholars today that teachers are utilizing field trips less since the start of the new millennia; the common reasons being cited among others include a slumping economy, an...
Show moreField trips are visits to an out-of-school setting designed for educational and academic purposes whereby as a result students gain firsthand knowledge and experiences. Historically, it was the potential for student learning that motivated teachers to utilize field trips. However, there is reasonable suspicion among scholars today that teachers are utilizing field trips less since the start of the new millennia; the common reasons being cited among others include a slumping economy, an increase in accountability due to high-stakes testing, and rising fuel costs. Unfortunately, there is no empirical evidence that can confirm or deny this suspicion. Therefore, the purpose of this survey research study is twofold. The first goal is to investigate what proportion of Florida K-12 public school teachers, within the field of social studies, science, mathematics, and language arts utilized a field trip during the 2012-13 academic school year; along with investigating the total number and frequency in which they used those field trips. The second goal is to identify if there were any significant differences in the number of field trips that those teachers utilized based on four independent variables (a) the grade level at which the teachers teach, (b) teachers' years of teaching experience, (c) the content focus of the field trips, and (d) whether teachers graduated from a teacher preparation program or not. The study utilized a non-experimental causal-comparative research design to conclude that there were some significant differences in the number of field trips teachers utilized as a result of two of the independent variables.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005359, ucf:50488
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005359
- Title
- NAEP-Related Visual Arts Assessment in Classroom Applications.
- Creator
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McGann, Debra, Brewer, Thomas, Xu, Lihua, Kaplan, Jeffrey, Olan, Elsie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This action research study investigates classroom visual art assessments and their potential to improve teacher instruction and student learning. In order to examine this topic more thoroughly, a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)-related classroom assessment was designed and administered to the researcher's Drawing and AP Art History classes. Students were also asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked about their past art experiences and motivation to participate in art...
Show moreThis action research study investigates classroom visual art assessments and their potential to improve teacher instruction and student learning. In order to examine this topic more thoroughly, a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)-related classroom assessment was designed and administered to the researcher's Drawing and AP Art History classes. Students were also asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked about their past art experiences and motivation to participate in art activities such as creating art work outside of the school setting or attending an art museum. Students observed, described, and analyzed contemporary artwork, and they created and wrote about their own original works of art. The use of contemporary art exemplars led to some of the most interesting findings; namely, that students felt free to create their artwork in a contemporary style that was less about technical elements and more about the meaning they wished to convey. In general, the AP Art History students' written contemporary art criticism scores were significantly higher than the scores of both of the studio drawing classes. Artwork scores of AP Art History, Drawing I, and Drawing II students showed no significant difference. Interestingly, all three groups indicated they were highly motivated to look at works of art, create art in school, and make artwork outside of the school setting. Also noteworthy was the relatively high number of students who indicated that the contemporary artwork they analyzed influenced the mother and child artwork they created. It could be surmised by this study that a NAEP-related assessment is a beneficial method for improving teacher instruction and student learning in visual arts education.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0005032, ucf:50008
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005032
- Title
- Examining Preservice Teachers' Performances and Pedagogies of Practice in an Urban Classroom Through the Use of a Simulated Learning Environment.
- Creator
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Jennings, Kelly, Szente, Judit, Hopp, Carolyn, Englehart, Deirdre, Dieker, Lisa, Hartle, Lynn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The failure to staff the nation's classrooms with highly qualified teachers, especially those in disadvantaged schools, is a problem in American education. Novice teachers who begin teaching in urban, low-income, diverse schools leave the field of education at alarmingly high rates. Schools are not being provided with the teachers they deserve; new teachers are especially ill-prepared to meet the needs of students in high-need urban settings. In return, these low-income schools are not...
Show moreThe failure to staff the nation's classrooms with highly qualified teachers, especially those in disadvantaged schools, is a problem in American education. Novice teachers who begin teaching in urban, low-income, diverse schools leave the field of education at alarmingly high rates. Schools are not being provided with the teachers they deserve; new teachers are especially ill-prepared to meet the needs of students in high-need urban settings. In return, these low-income schools are not retaining sufficient numbers of the teachers they do recruit. A teacher's performance has a tremendous impact on a child's learning and academic journey. Teacher preparation programs need to increase effectiveness by preparing teachers who perform at a proficient level or higher from the first day they step foot in the classroom. Preservice teachers must have an understanding of how to teach effectively through the use of pedagogical knowledge and culture. Universities can assist prospective teachers to simultaneously learn content and pedagogy through training. The revolving door of teachers leaving impoverished communities must stop. Students are not in warrant of substitute teachers, unqualified or uncertified novice teachers year after year. Teacher preparation programs have a vital role in shaping initial levels of teacher commitment. One way to build this bridge between preparation of teachers for urban or diverse settings is to consider new options for teacher preparation. While teacher preparation programs can offer theories and pedagogies of practice, the use of a virtual reality (VR) environment permits teacher preparation to provide preservice teachers with varied experiences in order to prepare them for a high-need urban setting. This fully immersive environment could allow preservice teachers to create an environment that best supports the needs of their learners, strengthening knowledge gained in coursework to examination in the field. A traditional teacher preparation program cannot offer this understanding of pedagogy in a consistent and constant format. It is the obligation of schools and colleges of education to improve teacher education programs. Universities need to prepare culturally responsive educators who can effectively perform in the urban classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact a simulated learning environment had on preservice teachers' classroom performances as measured by onsite and virtual observations. Pedagogies of practice are described through categories of personal connections, life experiences, engagement and assessment of prior knowledge as demonstrated in reflective writing of preservice teachers who participated in a simulated learning environment versus those who did not. The researcher proposed the use of a VR to provide an expanded view to preservice teacher preparation within a simulated classroom. It was hypothesized this scaffolding of learning beyond typical textbook learning would deepen the knowledge of the preservice teacher, leading to effective performance within a high-need urban setting. A mixed-methods approach of the embedded experimental design was used for collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. The Chi-square Test of Independence, supported by Fisher's Exact Test and Cramer's V used to analyze data measured on a nominal scale for the experimental group and control groups. Data analysis showed a significant difference in teacher indicators in three of the four observations. Specifically the preservice teachers (experimental group) who participated in the simulated learning environment related and integrated the subject matter with other disciplines and life experiences and reviewed previous class material before instruction more often than the control group. Key words in context (KWIC), word count and content analysis were used to identify themes through language as demonstrated in the reflective writing. Underlying patterns were used to form relationships between performance in the urban classroom after participation in a simulated learning environment, followed by reflective writing in the categories of personal connections, life experiences, engagement and assessment of prior knowledge. The preservice teachers in both the experimental and control groups exhibited many of the teacher behaviors needed in a high-need urban setting through their reflective writing. However, the intervention of TeachLivE(TM) continued to be an outlier, which not only strengthened the preservice teachers' reflections but performance in the classroom. The simulated learning environment offered the preservice teachers in the experimental group a medium to learn through doing. Exposure to the tools and methods in TeachLivE(TM), followed by reflective writing, provided opportunities to improve pedagogies of practice, impacting preservice teacher's performances in the urban setting. Future research recommendations based on continued observations to gather further data of the study, improvement of performance over time, and an expanded observational group are presented. Academic achievement of the students in the participant's classrooms who took part in TeachLivE(TM) in order to analyze whether the variable of TeachLivE(TM) impacted preservice teacher performance in the urban classroom could be measured. Finally, faculty mentors at the university could design professional development opportunities for novice teachers in TeachLivE(TM), assisting in coaching and self-reflection of lessons taught, working towards understanding of content and pedagogy. Reflection afterward would be collaborative between novice teachers and faculty mentors based on observations. Scaffolding novice teachers learning while in a simulated environment can be motivating and effective in learning gains.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005187, ucf:50617
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005187
- Title
- Exploring Stress for Novice Teachers' in Low Socio-Economic Elementary Schools Through Breathing Biofeedback.
- Creator
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Fulchini, Angelica, Dieker, Lisa, Hines, Rebecca, Lue, Martha, Hynes, Mike, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Teachers who serve children of color in schools that support students from low socio-economic status have turnover rates reported to be as high as 70% (SES; Carver-Thomas (&) Darling-Hammond, 2017). Numerous approaches to teacher retention in low SES settings have been discussed in the literature (Chester (&) Beaudin, 1996; Donaldson, 2009; Ingersoll (&) Kralik, 2004; Jacob, 2007; McKinney, Haberman, Stafford-Johnson, (&) Robinson, 2008; McLaurin, Smith, (&) Smillie, 2009; Siwatu, Frazier,...
Show moreTeachers who serve children of color in schools that support students from low socio-economic status have turnover rates reported to be as high as 70% (SES; Carver-Thomas (&) Darling-Hammond, 2017). Numerous approaches to teacher retention in low SES settings have been discussed in the literature (Chester (&) Beaudin, 1996; Donaldson, 2009; Ingersoll (&) Kralik, 2004; Jacob, 2007; McKinney, Haberman, Stafford-Johnson, (&) Robinson, 2008; McLaurin, Smith, (&) Smillie, 2009; Siwatu, Frazier, Osaghae, (&) Starker, 2011; Sutcher, Darling-Hammond, (&) Carver-Thomas, 2016; Taylor (&) Frankenberg, 2009), but the use of emerging biofeedback technology is an unexplored territory. This type of technology could help novice teachers understand basic changes in stress levels through awareness of the body and mind while teaching. Hence, the potential use of biofeedback strategies to reduce stress levels in teachers, in inclusive settings, that serve students with low SES is explored. To help potentially reduce novice teachers' stress levels (Friedman, 2000; Day (&) Hong, 2016; Isenbarger (&) Zembylas, 2006), the researcher explored the effectiveness of biofeedback on breathing rates of teachers in inclusive classrooms serving more than 50% of students from low SES backgrounds. The researcher found, by tracking the rate of stressed breathing of 9 teachers during the instructional day, that teachers reported they were more mindful of their breathing. The researcher found meetings, paperwork, and student behaviors increased their stress and suggested better mentorship as a way to help reduce stress. The paper concludes with implications for practice, and recommendations for future research for teachers is provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007179, ucf:52266
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007179
- Title
- THE BORN VERSUS MADE DEBATE: AN EXAMINATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS' BELIEFS AND TEACHING PRACTICES.
- Creator
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003577, ucf:48920
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003577
- Title
- PRE-SERVICE SECONDARY SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS' EFFICACY TOWARDSCHARACTER EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
- Creator
-
Waters, Kevin, Russell, William, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Character education is one of the most controversial aspects of academic institutions in the United States. The responsibility of educating children about democratic principles and moral values is something many states and schools are taking very seriously as a vital part of a teacher's role in the classroom. This study investigated the personal teaching efficacy and general teaching efficacy beliefs of pre-service secondary teachers at a large university in the state of Florida. This study...
Show moreCharacter education is one of the most controversial aspects of academic institutions in the United States. The responsibility of educating children about democratic principles and moral values is something many states and schools are taking very seriously as a vital part of a teacher's role in the classroom. This study investigated the personal teaching efficacy and general teaching efficacy beliefs of pre-service secondary teachers at a large university in the state of Florida. This study investigated the responses of 130 pre-service secondary teachers in language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics within one teacher education program. The questionnaire utilized in this quantitative research study was the Character Education Efficacy Belief Instrument (CEEBI), which was designed by Milson and Mehlig (2002). This instrument is composed of 24 items designed to understand personal teaching efficacy (PTE) and general teaching efficacy (GTE) beliefs. This study examined if there was a statistically significant difference in PTE and GTE scores between secondary pre-service teachers based on the independent variables of a) program/major, b) gender, c) race/ethnicity, and d) coursework in character education. The results of this survey adds to a rich field of research and literature on character education and teacher education by taking a closer look at the specific beliefs of secondary preservice teachers regarding their PTE and GTE for character education. This study was an attempt to better understand the teaching efficacy beliefs for secondary pre-service teachers graduating from a teacher preparation program within a state that mandates character education.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003686, ucf:48839
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003686
- Title
- The Source and Impact of Student Engagement for Black Students in an Urban High School.
- Creator
-
Sims, Deshawn, Hopp, Carolyn, Butler, S. Kent, Puig, Enrique, Butler, Malcolm, Waddell, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The achievement of Black students has repeatedly met only the lowest standards of performance on standardized assessments, which begs the question; do American schools have the capacity to educate Black children? The purpose of this action research manuscript dissertation was to explore the teacher behaviors and instructional strategies that developed a culture of high achievement among Black students as measured by student engagement and discourse, immediately before and after desegregation,...
Show moreThe achievement of Black students has repeatedly met only the lowest standards of performance on standardized assessments, which begs the question; do American schools have the capacity to educate Black children? The purpose of this action research manuscript dissertation was to explore the teacher behaviors and instructional strategies that developed a culture of high achievement among Black students as measured by student engagement and discourse, immediately before and after desegregation, and in classrooms today. The examination of popular theories concerning the education of Black people in the early 1900's and narratives of individuals who attended segregated schools, provided a historical description of the state of Black education. In addition, the connection between student engagement and teacher dispositions was recognized. A review of relevant literature informed this study by providing a conceptual understanding and operational definition of student engagement, teacher dispositions, and discourse. Last, a case study was conducted to bring a local, practical focus to the research. The purpose of this case study was to examine the impact of student engagement on student learning in an urban school with a majority Black student population, as evidenced by student actions and discourse. Data were collected through meetings and classroom observations using the Student Action Coding Sheet. This research found student engagement to be highest in classrooms that balanced certain teacher dispositions and discourse.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006396, ucf:51518
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006396
- Title
- Using a Mixed-Reality Classroom Environment Including English Learners: The Perceptions of Teacher Candidates.
- Creator
-
Ashtari, Nooshan, Nutta, Joyce, Hutchinson, Cynthia, Mihai, Florin, Jahani, Shiva, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Technological modernization has impacted various fields such as the field of education, teaching, and learning. The traditional classroom and teaching methodologies no longer meet the needs of the new tech-savvy generation. Thus, recently there have been changes in teacher preparation programs in order to prepare teacher candidates to have the skills to respond to such high technological demands. Additionally, the demographics of students attending schools in countries with exceptionally high...
Show moreTechnological modernization has impacted various fields such as the field of education, teaching, and learning. The traditional classroom and teaching methodologies no longer meet the needs of the new tech-savvy generation. Thus, recently there have been changes in teacher preparation programs in order to prepare teacher candidates to have the skills to respond to such high technological demands. Additionally, the demographics of students attending schools in countries with exceptionally high numbers of immigrants such as the United States is another reason to seek novel ways to prepare teachers who have had adequate practice and developed teaching skills needed to reach the English learners (ELs) in their classrooms. Using Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) has been one solution in order to bridge this gap. EL TLE TeachLivE(TM), which was the focus of this study, is a computer simulated environment that combines real-life participants and digital personas or avatars. The participants of this study were teacher candidates who experienced using EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) to practice the teaching strategies and skills they had been learning about during their teacher preparation program (n=20). This research investigated the perceptions of these teacher candidates about using this mixed-reality classroom environment through observations, questionnaires, focus groups, and individual interviews. A qualitative transcendental phenomenological approach was taken to have a more in-depth understanding of the participants' perceptions about the phenomenon of EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) as a mixed-reality classroom environment in teacher preparation and the meaning they made of their experiences. Through the data analysis three main categories emerged: TCs' general perceptions about the avatars and EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) as a mixed-reality classroom environment, TCs' perceptions of the current use of the EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) in their teacher preparation program, and TCs' perceptions about the future use of EL TLE TeachLivE(TM). The Teacher Candidates' General Perceptions of EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) consisted of the following sub-themes: (a) Video game dissimilarities, (b) Avatar believability and real-life features, (c) Personification of the EL cases, (d) Fear of the unknown, (e) Avatar movement restrictions, and (f) Suspension of disbelief. The Teacher Candidates' Perceptions about the Current Use of EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) included: (a) Importance of prerequisites, (b) Advantages over role-playing, (c) Teaching in front of peers, (d) Group teaching and random selection, (e) Importance of feedback, and (f) Teaching strategies and aha moments.Finally, the Teacher Candidates' Perceptions about the Future Use of EL TLE TeachLivE(TM) incorporated: (a) Changes in the implementation, (b) Elementary vs secondary classrooms, and (c) Gradual practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006255, ucf:51048
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006255
- Title
- Defining Effective Teacher Practices among Students with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities.
- Creator
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Mayes, Zerek, Martin, Suzanne, Boote, David, Butler, S. Kent, Berrio, Gabriel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of special education teachers who worked with students with emotional behavioral disabilities (EBD) across various urban settings and educative environments. Given that the overall percentage of students receiving special education services has increased, the overall percentage of students with EBD served among all school-aged children and youth has remained below 1% (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education...
Show moreThis phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of special education teachers who worked with students with emotional behavioral disabilities (EBD) across various urban settings and educative environments. Given that the overall percentage of students receiving special education services has increased, the overall percentage of students with EBD served among all school-aged children and youth has remained below 1% (U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2018). The current failings of reform efforts to improve the academic achievement of students with EBD brings the roles, responsibilities and practices of teachers and their preparation into view. This study examined the impact of culture on the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of special education teachers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants (N = 8). A thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes. The three themes included: (a) the essentials: keys to student engagement, (b) the frustrations regarding effective program implementation, and (c) elements of an effective program. This study exposed multiple factors affecting the effectiveness of special educators' practices as well as offered recommendations for teachers, schools, districts, policies, and future research.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007682, ucf:52510
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007682
- Title
- Evaluating Improvisation as a Technique for Training Pre-Service Teachers for Inclusive Classrooms.
- Creator
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Becker, Theresa, Hines, Rebecca, Beverly, Monifa, Hopp, Carolyn, Hamed, Kastro, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Improvisation is a construct that uses a set of minimal heuristic guidelines to create a highly flexible scaffold that fosters extemporaneous communication. Scholars from diverse domains: such as psychology, business, negotiation, and education have suggested its use as a method for preparing professionals to manage complexity and think on their feet. A review of the literature revealed that while there is substantial theoretical scholarship on using improvisation in diverse domains, little...
Show moreImprovisation is a construct that uses a set of minimal heuristic guidelines to create a highly flexible scaffold that fosters extemporaneous communication. Scholars from diverse domains: such as psychology, business, negotiation, and education have suggested its use as a method for preparing professionals to manage complexity and think on their feet. A review of the literature revealed that while there is substantial theoretical scholarship on using improvisation in diverse domains, little research has verified these assertions. This dissertation evaluated whether improvisation, a specific type of dramatic technique, was effective for training pre-service teachers in specific characteristics of teacher-child classroom interaction, communication and affective skills development. It measured the strength and direction of any potential changes such training might effect on pre-service teacher's self-efficacy for teaching and for implementing the communication skills common to improvisation and teaching while interacting with student in an inclusive classroom setting. A review of the literature on teacher self-efficacy and improvisation clarified and defined key terms, and illustrated relevant studies. This study utilized a mixed-method research design based on instructional design and development research. Matched pairs t-tests were used to analyze the self-efficacy and training skills survey data and pre-service teacher reflections and interview transcripts were used to triangulate the qualitative data. Results of the t-tests showed a significant difference in participants' self-efficacy for teaching measured before and after the improvisation training. A significant difference in means was also measured in participants' aptitude for improvisation strategies and for self-efficacy for their implementation pre-/post- training. Qualitative results from pre-service teacher class artifacts and interviews showed participants reported beneficial personal outcomes as well as confirmed using skills from the training while interacting with students. Many of the qualitative themes parallel individual question items on the teacher self-efficacy TSES scale as well as the improvisation self-efficacy scale CSAI. The self-reported changes in affective behavior such as increased self-confidence and ability to foster positive interaction with students are illustrative of changes in teacher agency. Self-reports of being able to better understand student perspectives demonstrate a change in participant ability to empathize with students. Participants who worked with both typically developing students as well as with students with disabilities reported utilizing improvisation strategies such as Yes, and..., mirroring emotions and body language, vocal prosody and establishing a narrative relationship to put the students at ease, establish a positive learning environment, encourage student contributions and foster teachable moments. The improvisation strategies showed specific benefit for participants working with nonverbal students or who had commutation difficulties, by providing the pre-service teachers with strategies for using body language, emotional mirroring, vocal prosody and acceptance to foster interaction and communication with the student.Results from this investigation appear to substantiate the benefit of using improvisation training as part of a pre-service teacher methods course for preparing teachers for inclusive elementary classrooms. Replication of the study is encouraged with teachers of differing populations to confirm and extend results.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004516, ucf:49273
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004516
- Title
- An Examination of Novice and Expert Teachers' Pedagogy in a Mixed-Reality Simulated Inclusive Secondary Classroom Including a Student Avatar With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Creator
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Bousfield, Taylor, Dieker, Lisa, Marino, Matthew, Hines, Rebecca, Hynes, Mike, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Teachers, special and general educators alike, are required to teach a variety of students including students with ASD. With a rise in the prevalence of autism by 119.4% since 2000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016) and 39% of students with ASD being served in general education classrooms for over 80% of the school day (U.S. Department of Education, 2015), teachers need to be prepared to effectively teach this population. To better prepare teachers, the researcher...
Show moreTeachers, special and general educators alike, are required to teach a variety of students including students with ASD. With a rise in the prevalence of autism by 119.4% since 2000 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2016) and 39% of students with ASD being served in general education classrooms for over 80% of the school day (U.S. Department of Education, 2015), teachers need to be prepared to effectively teach this population. To better prepare teachers, the researcher conducted a two-phase study, situated in the framework of the Skill Acquisition Model (Dreyfus (&) Dreyfus, 1986) to explore the behaviors of novice and expert teachers in a simulated secondary inclusive environment. This classroom included a virtual student with autism. In phase one, the researcher conducted a Delphi Study to determine the best practices, perceived by experts in the field, for teachers who serve students with ASD in inclusive secondary environments. During phase two, the researcher used the list of skills identified as a framework to observe and interview 10 teachers, five novices and five experts, in a simulated secondary inclusive environment. The researcher identified 11 high leverage simulation practices (HLSP) that expert teachers should use while teaching in a simulated secondary inclusive environment. Observations and reflections of expert and novice teachers were analyzed, finding only 4 HLSP among experts and 5 HLSP among novice teachers. Additional HLSP were seen through the teachers' reflections. Data were analyzed and discussed in detail. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research in teacher preparation is provided.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006722, ucf:51877
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006722
- Title
- Exploring Intensive Reading Intervention Teachers' Formal and Practical Knowledge of Beginning Reading Instruction Provided to At-Risk First Grade Readers.
- Creator
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Cortelyou, Kathryn, Biraimah, Karen, Kelley, Michelle, Beverly, Monifa, Clements, Taylar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study was designed with two goals in mind. The first goal was to describe the formal and practical knowledge of intensive reading intervention teachers related to beginning reading instruction with at-risk first graders. A second goal was to understand any potential relationships between intensive reading teachers' practical knowledge and formal knowledge. These two goals framed the study's three research questions. To answer these three questions, the study was conducted in two phases....
Show moreThis study was designed with two goals in mind. The first goal was to describe the formal and practical knowledge of intensive reading intervention teachers related to beginning reading instruction with at-risk first graders. A second goal was to understand any potential relationships between intensive reading teachers' practical knowledge and formal knowledge. These two goals framed the study's three research questions. To answer these three questions, the study was conducted in two phases. Phase one included 32 participants, all of whom worked in the role of a K-2 intensive reading intervention teacher. Each of these 32 participants completed a background questionnaire and a paper/pencil Teacher Knowledge Assessment (TKA). The TKA measured participants' formal knowledge of beginning reading concepts. Participants' scores on the TKA were then rank-ordered from lowest to highest to help guide the selection of phase two participants. Eight teachers in all participated in phase two of the study dedicated to the study of teachers' practical knowledge of reading. Participants' practical knowledge of reading was explored through three activities including a semi-structured interview, a concept-mapping activity and a videotaped reading lesson. Data analysis revealed several important findings. Intensive reading intervention teachers in this study's sample differed in their formal knowledge of reading, measured by the TKA, and in their practical knowledge of reading, explored through interviews, concept-maps and reading lessons. The TKA revealed that study participants' held more formal knowledge of concepts related to phonology and phonics and less formal knowledge of concepts related to morphology and syllable types. Related to practical knowledge, data analysis revealed that the teachers in this sample differed in their knowledge of beginning reading with subject-matter knowledge accounting for most of the differences. These gaps in subject-matter knowledge also impacted this sample of teachers' use of instructional strategies and purposes of instruction. Data analysis also revealed insight into the relationships between this sample of teachers' formal and practical reading knowledge. In this sample, intensive reading intervention teachers with more formal knowledge of reading concepts as measured on the TKA demonstrated more evidence of these concepts within their instruction provided to at-risk first grade readers. The participants in this sample who had less formal knowledge of beginning reading as measured by the TKA demonstrated less evidence of these concepts within their instruction provided to at-risk first grade readers. Participants with less formal knowledge did accurately calibrate their knowledge of the concepts tested on the TKA but did not equate the lower scores to their practical knowledge and overall teaching efficacy. The findings from this study added several important contributions to the literature on teacher knowledge and beginning reading instruction. First, the study was unique in its focus on intensive reading intervention teachers, thus contributing new findings related to a specialized group of teachers. Secondly, this study contributed descriptions of teachers' practical knowledge with regards to beginning reading instruction. These descriptions are relatively absent in the current literature on teacher knowledge. Thirdly, the results from this study supported earlier findings in favor of a specialized body of subject-matter knowledge, especially related to beginning reading skills and concepts. Finally, the results contributed insight into the relationships between teachers' formal reading knowledge and practical reading knowledge.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004541, ucf:49260
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004541
- Title
- CURRICULUM CONTROL AND TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONAL DISCRETION AND SATISFACTION.
- Creator
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May, Donald, Pawlas, George, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The goal of this research was to investigate teachers' perceptions of professional discretion and satisfaction related to internal and external factors of curriculum control. Results of the study were intended to provide data to policy makers and school district administrators that could be used in the development and implementation of the curriculum reform process. Middle and high school teachers in a large central Florida school district completed the survey. The survey's six...
Show moreThe goal of this research was to investigate teachers' perceptions of professional discretion and satisfaction related to internal and external factors of curriculum control. Results of the study were intended to provide data to policy makers and school district administrators that could be used in the development and implementation of the curriculum reform process. Middle and high school teachers in a large central Florida school district completed the survey. The survey's six constructs were 1. Influence of Teacher Beliefs 2. Perceptions of Success and Satisfaction 3. Influence of Tests and Curriculum Guides 4. Teacher Control of Pedagogy 5. Leadership 6. Maintaining High Standards The research questions focused on determining the difference in perspectives due to years of teaching experience, level of teaching (middle or high school), and curriculum control category (high, medium, or low). The results revealed there was not significant disagreement among teacher perceptions based on years of teaching experience. However, results indicated significant differences in perceptions based on level of teaching and curriculum control category in regard to the six survey constructs. The construct of leadership revealed significant differences between both levels of teaching and curriculum control categories. Overall, the results indicated a significant relationship among curriculum control policies and effects on teachers' perceptions of professional discretion and satisfaction. The literature on curriculum reform efforts since the 1980s, specifically in the areas of curriculum standards, textbook adoption policies, testing policies and leadership practices, framed the study. The literature review focused on existing research issues within the six constructs and the research questions. The information gained from this study may be used to inform policies, improve teachers' working conditions, and promote teacher and leadership effectiveness. Recommendations for practice were addressed in terms of what policy makers, school district administrators, and individual classroom teachers can and should do to implement and support meaningful curriculum reform. The researcher emphasized that recognizing the professional expertise and knowing the perspective of teachers are key to the development and implementation of an effective curriculum reform process.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003210, ucf:48572
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003210
- Title
- An Analysis of the Variables in Implementation of the Marzano Causal Teacher Evaluation System in the State of Florida.
- Creator
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Phillips, Matthew, Murray, Barbara, Murray, Kenneth, Baldwin, Lee, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This was a non-experimental, mixed methods study to research the different ways in which the Marzano casual teacher evaluation system was implemented in 25 school districts in the state of Florida during the 2012-2013 school year. Based on seven implementation variables, the teacher evaluation systems were compared to the implementation model and research-based best practice. The researcher then sought to determine what relationships may or may not exist in teacher performance ratings between...
Show moreThis was a non-experimental, mixed methods study to research the different ways in which the Marzano casual teacher evaluation system was implemented in 25 school districts in the state of Florida during the 2012-2013 school year. Based on seven implementation variables, the teacher evaluation systems were compared to the implementation model and research-based best practice. The researcher then sought to determine what relationships may or may not exist in teacher performance ratings between districts that followed the research-based implementation model and districts that did not. Two stated purposes of the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system were to improve the accuracy of teacher performance ratings and to improve the accuracy of feedback provided to teachers. Variation in implementation may possibly occur among school districts. To date no research has been conducted to analyze how variations in implementation may relate to teacher performance ratings. The purpose of this study was to provide data to support best-practice in the implementation of the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system and to guide instructional leaders on the implementation of this evaluation system. The researcher also sought to ensure the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system provides both accurate teacher feedback and accurate teacher evaluations. Data was collected from the Florida Department of Education published reports and information. School district implementation plans were gathered from state submitted documentation. Implementation plans were analyzed and read. Data was collected on a data collection sheet and then analyzed in SPSS using a crosstab Chi square test to determine if a statistically significant relationships existed between districts that followed the research-based implementation model and districts that did not. It was determined that implementation of the Marzano causal evaluation system varies widely. In six out of the seven implementation variables, it was determined that there were statistically significant relationships in teacher evaluation scores between districts that followed the research-based implementation variables and districts that did not. Further research should include validity and reliability studies on the Marzano causal evaluation system. Research should continue to analyze different ways in which the Marzano causal evaluation system is implemented, and what relationship there is between implementation and teacher performance ratings. Research should be conducted to analyze the effectiveness of feedback provided to teachers through the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system. This research indicates that the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system should be used following research based best-practice and how it is intended to be used. The research in this study shows that when implementation variables are altered in the Marzano causal teacher evaluation system, teacher performance ratings may become inaccurate. Based on misunderstandings of the Marzano causal evaluation system, it is recommended school leaders receive additional training on the understanding and implementation of the Marzano casual teacher evaluation system.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005399, ucf:50460
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005399
