Current Search: teachers' perceptions (x)
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- Title
- CHARACTER EDUCATION: EXAMINING THE PERCEPTIONS OF ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN A CENTRAL FLORIDA SCHOOL DISTRICT.
- Creator
-
Ampel, Jason, Holt, Larry, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
While schools are academic institutions to prepare our country's youth for their future, developing a child's character and civic responsibilities is necessary and is often deleted from the explicit curriculum set forth in most school districts throughout the country. This study investigated the perception of character education of teachers in a Central Florida school district, as it related to teacher importance, teacher efficacy, and teacher practice of character education. This...
Show moreWhile schools are academic institutions to prepare our country's youth for their future, developing a child's character and civic responsibilities is necessary and is often deleted from the explicit curriculum set forth in most school districts throughout the country. This study investigated the perception of character education of teachers in a Central Florida school district, as it related to teacher importance, teacher efficacy, and teacher practice of character education. This study investigated the responses of 497 classroom teachers surveyed within one Central Florida school district. The questionnaire used in this study was designed to illuminate teacher perceptions of character education, by examining a teacher's level of importance, efficacy, and practice of character education in their classrooms and schools. The three areas of importance, efficacy, and practice were examined to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference among Central Florida educators based upon demographic variables of a) grades level taught, b) years of experience, c) highest degree attained, d) gender, and e) National Board Certification. The results of this survey, in combination with existing research findings, proved to be beneficial in revealing the ideals and explicit actions that need to be prevalent in public schools today to insure a balance between academics and the development of civic behaviors and positive character values. This study was a step in a effort to depict the voices of all teachers as stakeholders in one Central Florida School district.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- Identifier
- CFE0002556, ucf:47642
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002556
- Title
- A SURVEY OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS IN REGARDS TO THEIR ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SCIENCE FICTION AND ITS USE IN THE CLASSROOM.
- Creator
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Kosky, Amy, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert...
Show moreIn 1957 at the University of Chicago, Robert Heinlein asserted that through science fiction humanity can wonder upon important questions without causing harm to the real world. "Through such speculative experiments science fiction can warn against dangerous solutions, urge toward better solutions. Science fiction joyously tackles the real and pressing problems of our race, wrestles with them, never ignores them—problems which other forms of fiction cannot challenge. For this reason I assert that science fiction is the most realistic, the most serious, the most significant, the most sane and healthy and human fiction being published today" (Davenport, 1959). Preservice teachers enrolled in the education program at a large metropolitan university were surveyed to determine if they had preconceived notions about science fiction, if they would use science fiction within their classrooms and if science fiction would be available to the students in their classrooms. Also explored was if these future educators believed science fiction was too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. Analysis of this survey revealed that although most preservice teachers believe science fiction literature has value within the classroom and they planned to use it at least part of the time, about one in five believed the concepts and themes were too complex for English language learners and students with exceptionalities. The researcher of this study hopes the information contained in this study can help educators encourage students to read science fiction as well as provide the educators with a resource of science fiction literature book titles which are grade level and ability level appropriate for their students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004633, ucf:45313
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004633
- Title
- THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHER ATTITUDES TOWARD FLORIDA HISTORY AND THE METHODS AND MATERIALS THE TEACHERS USE TO TEACH FLORIDA HISTORY.
- Creator
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Dewey, Elizabeth, Allen, Kay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Reacting to an impression that history is not viewed as significant as other curricular subjects such as reading, math, or science, there were multiple purposes for this research: first, to document the attitudes of the fourth grade teachers in one county in Florida towards the subject of Florida history. The teachers' perceptions of the importance of the topic to and for the students, to the administration, and to them personally was surveyed in addition to the perceived preparation of the...
Show moreReacting to an impression that history is not viewed as significant as other curricular subjects such as reading, math, or science, there were multiple purposes for this research: first, to document the attitudes of the fourth grade teachers in one county in Florida towards the subject of Florida history. The teachers' perceptions of the importance of the topic to and for the students, to the administration, and to them personally was surveyed in addition to the perceived preparation of the teachers to teach Florida History. The second purpose was to ascertain the perception of fourth grade teachers regarding preference and efficacy of their methods; third, to discern the teachers' views as to the effectiveness and value of the available materials; fourth, to determine the amount of instructional time devoted to the teaching of Florida History; and fifth, to discover if there is any correlation between teacher attitudes toward Florida History and the methods and materials that they use to teach the subject. Eighty-eight of the 210 fourth grade teachers employed in the county during the research interval responded to a survey that was part Likert scale and part fill-in. The results of this research were in agreement with the premise that teachers perceive themselves as unprepared to teach history; however, the teachers of this county thought that Florida History was important to and for their students, the administration and them personally. Although the teachers advocated the use of constructivist approaches to teaching Florida History such as cooperative learning, student projects, and role-playing, the majority of the teachers utilized lecture as their predominant instructional method due to insufficient classroom instructional time (only one in five teachers included Florida History in the daily schedule). The textbook was the leading material of choice overwhelming tradebooks, computer software, and videos. Although there was a relationship discovered between the teachers' attitudes and the methods they espoused, there was no relationship between the teachers' attitudes and the materials they employed to teach Florida History.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000504, ucf:46457
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000504
- Title
- FLORIDA TEACHER PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING INTERNET DANGERS FOR STUDENTS.
- Creator
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Baker, Kathleen, McGee, Janet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This research study was conducted to determine if there were significant differences or relationships between teachersÃÂ' perceptions of knowledge of Internet dangers to students and factors such as demographics, self-reported comfort levels with Internet use, and with knowledge of policies and laws regarding Internet safety. Three hundred seventy-two teachers from three central Florida school districts were surveyed using an adapted survey developed by authors Patchin...
Show moreThis research study was conducted to determine if there were significant differences or relationships between teachersÃÂ' perceptions of knowledge of Internet dangers to students and factors such as demographics, self-reported comfort levels with Internet use, and with knowledge of policies and laws regarding Internet safety. Three hundred seventy-two teachers from three central Florida school districts were surveyed using an adapted survey developed by authors Patchin and Hinduja (2006) and Willard (2006, 2009). The world of the Internet is constantly changing, and students will encounter harassment and dangers while pursuing their interests on line. Recent research on the types of Internet dangers involving youth (Hinduja & Patchin, 2009; Juvonen & Gross, 2008, Leichtling, 2008; Lenhart, Madden & Hitlin, 2005; Li, 2007; Willard, 2009), and evidence supporting limited adult knowledge of Internet dangers to youth (Finkelhor, Mitchell & Wolak, 2000; Hinduja & Patchin, 2009; Patchin & Hinduja, 2006; Willard, 2006,2009) provided the conceptual framework for this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to investigate each research question. These statistics included one-way ANOVA, Scheffe post-hoc analysis, chi-square tests of independence, independent T-tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. These findings demonstrated that the null hypotheses were rejected for each research question. Significant differences were found between teachersÃÂ' knowledge of Internet dangers and age, years of experience, level of school taught, and personal comfort with the Internet. Other significant relationships were found between personal Internet comfort and knowledge of laws and policies, specifically the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act, and between male teachers and knowledge of victim behaviors. Gender was the only demographic variable found to be not significantly related to a teachersÃÂ' knowledge of Internet dangers to students. The implications of these results validate the importance of more teacher training to increase knowledge of Internet dangers, policies and programs, as well as increase teachersÃÂ' ability to identify victims and provide them with assistance. As technology expands, Internet dangers for children online expand and are a growing concern for parents, teachers, and administrators. Since technology will continue to grow, adults play a major role in educating children concerning the dangers of being online. However, adults struggle to play catch-up to the young digital natives, and are not really present to intervene when needed. We cannot cross the digital divide and help our students if we are not seeking out the information ourselves (Willard, 2009).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003307, ucf:48500
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003307
- Title
- An Examination of Job Analysis: Developing Interdisciplinary Strategies in Human Resource Management Facilitative of Mitigating Propensities of Teacher Attrition.
- Creator
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DeVere, Julio, Folger, Robert, Storey, Valerie A., Fisher, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Despite repeated attempts by school administrators, policymakers and researchers to diagnose and correct rising occurrences of teacher turnover, there has been little change in the actual efforts to retain teachers in academy organizations. In response, this study was conducted to describe process constraints within the academy organization that are responsible for managing teacher turnover. To provide a description of current teacher retention efforts by school administrators, a survey...
Show moreDespite repeated attempts by school administrators, policymakers and researchers to diagnose and correct rising occurrences of teacher turnover, there has been little change in the actual efforts to retain teachers in academy organizations. In response, this study was conducted to describe process constraints within the academy organization that are responsible for managing teacher turnover. To provide a description of current teacher retention efforts by school administrators, a survey instrument was administered to school teachers in the State of Florida. The population sample was dispersed throughout the entire state and closely reflected the demographics of Florida school teachers.The survey addressed two issues: Whether or not there is a consistent effort by school administrators to gauge a teacher's desire to remain in their current position and whether or not the teachers perceive related administration decisions to be fair. To describe perceptions of fairness, a two-prong model was used to measure perceptions of Voice and Equity. Of the 215 respondents, only about 25 percent were administered a survey within the last year that gauges their desire to remain in their current position. Of these respondents who were given a retention survey by their administrators, results were mixed, with only about half of all respondents leaning towards a favorable perception of fairness. The results indicate that there is a logical need for process improvement within the administration of academy organizations before teacher turnover could be managed effectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005480, ucf:50342
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005480
- Title
- BOY STUDENT/ GIRL STUDENT:EXPLORING EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER PERCEPTIONS OF GENDER AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN'S LEARNING.
- Creator
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Oliver, Elizabeth, Levin, Judith, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT Brain development in children has always been fascinating to me; it was the reason I chose to major in Early Childhood Education. I have often wondered how the expectations and behavior of parents and teachers affect young children academically .Specifically, how do early gender messages from adults, peers, and the popular media have a powerful impact on the development of young brains? The professional responsibility of all educators is to help every child reach their full potential...
Show moreABSTRACT Brain development in children has always been fascinating to me; it was the reason I chose to major in Early Childhood Education. I have often wondered how the expectations and behavior of parents and teachers affect young children academically .Specifically, how do early gender messages from adults, peers, and the popular media have a powerful impact on the development of young brains? The professional responsibility of all educators is to help every child reach their full potential. This thesis explored the potential impact early childhood educators have in developing and reinforcing stereotypes that can affect children academically by surveying teachers about their own backgrounds, thoughts and feelings about their male and female students. Confirming my belief that most teachers had similar backgrounds I was able to find that among the 59 respondents surveyed; 98% were female, 81% attended mixed gender public schools, 85% grew up in a two-parent home and 90% had a father working full-time outside of the home. While looking for similarities in descriptive language I was able to find that given a choice of 14 words from a word bank teachers used the same terms over and over to describe their male and female students. Teachers chose words that described physical characteristics when recalling their male students and chose emotional words when they were asked to describe their female students. When teachers were asked to recall which students they believed to be the most challenging in their classrooms and to identify the gender of these students, they identified male students three times more than their female students. I was left wondering if the mostly female teachers who all shared similar backgrounds were transferring unconscious bias onto their students. Why was the descriptive language they used so similar? Why were males students identified as challenging so much more than female students?
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004514, ucf:45174
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004514
- Title
- TEACHER PERCEPTIONS OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES ON STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS.
- Creator
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Gromoll, Maryann, Little, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Each year as a growing number of students with learning disabilities are included in statewide assessments, teacher perceptions and beliefs toward student achievement are being identified and examined. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) and the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) raise the achievement expectations of students with disabilities and require that teachers are knowledgeable about state academic content and achievement...
Show moreEach year as a growing number of students with learning disabilities are included in statewide assessments, teacher perceptions and beliefs toward student achievement are being identified and examined. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) and the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) raise the achievement expectations of students with disabilities and require that teachers are knowledgeable about state academic content and achievement standards (Thompson, Lazarus, Clapper, & Thurlow, 2006). State departments of education are responsible to ensure that teacher competencies and expectations are specific to the achievement of grade level content standards (Thompson, et al., 2006). Educational reform, increased knowledge in the teacher-learning process, and greater access to the general education curriculum require changes in instructional practice. This study investigated special education teachers' perceptions, backgrounds and beliefs related to test performance of third grade students with learning disabilities who passed the reading portion of the state assessment in Florida, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The comparative descriptive research design was used to identify these factors and their effects in the study (Creswell, 2002). Quantitative data collection was used. A survey instrument was developed to include information on teachers' background, beliefs, experience, and perceptions toward statewide assessments. The survey was sent to seventy six third grade teachers of students with learning disabilities. Teachers receiving the survey were categorized into two groups based on the outcome of the 2007 FCAT in reading. Significant differences between teacher responses were found in the areas of professional development for test accommodations, co-teaching, and working with professionals in the general curriculum. Response to survey items on service delivery models indicated that students who spend the majority of time in the general education classroom or in a resource room setting have increased student achievement on statewide assessments. Differences were also found between teachers on questions related to school location, percentage of minority students, students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and positions employees held in education by the teachers in the study. One of the most significant findings of this study concluded that increased time spent in the general education classroom and collaboration of special education teachers with general education staff proved to be most beneficial when addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities and statewide assessment. The concept of teacher knowledge base and continued awareness of perceptions andbeliefs addressed in this study allowed for further research investigations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002299, ucf:47830
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002299
- Title
- Using a Senior Seminar During Internship II as a Means to Increase Self-Efficacy, Perceptions of Preparedness, and Internship Experiences for Elementary Education Teachers.
- Creator
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Trenta, Shane, Gill, Michele, Ergle, Roberta, Allen, Kay, Hahs-Vaughn, Debbie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this quasi-experimental, mixed methods study was to examine how a Senior Seminar pilot conducted during elementary preservice teachers' Internship II semester could potentially increase their teacher self-efficacy and perceptions of preparedness to teach. The study was conducted at a large public university located in the southeast United States and included 29 participants. The collection of data included the 24 item Teacher Sense of Self-Efficacy Survey (Tschannen-Moran (&)...
Show moreThe purpose of this quasi-experimental, mixed methods study was to examine how a Senior Seminar pilot conducted during elementary preservice teachers' Internship II semester could potentially increase their teacher self-efficacy and perceptions of preparedness to teach. The study was conducted at a large public university located in the southeast United States and included 29 participants. The collection of data included the 24 item Teacher Sense of Self-Efficacy Survey (Tschannen-Moran (&) Woolfolk Hoy, 2001) used to measure pre- and post- teacher self-efficacy for classroom instruction, classroom management, and student engagement. To measure pre- and post- perceptions of preparedness, the 8 item Perceptions of Preparedness for the Teaching Profession survey was used. Additionally, qualitative data was collected by use of open response questions on the post survey and also on exit slips at the end of each session to gain insight into the participants' perceptions of the Senior Seminar pilot. The study findings indicate that the added support and instruction provided by the Senior Seminar may provide elementary preservice teachers with a means to increase perceptions of preparedness for the teaching profession and positively influence their Internship II experience. This study suggests practical ways in which teacher preparation programs can be enhanced to provide preservice teachers with an opportunity to be better prepared for the teaching profession.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006811, ucf:51774
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006811
- 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
-
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
- TEXT COMPLEXITY AND CLOSE READING: TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE LANGUAGE ARTS FLORIDA STANDARDS AND CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION.
- Creator
-
Diaz-Davila, Clare, Wenzel, Taylar, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The Florida Department of Education revised the Common Core State Standards into what are now known as the Florida Standards in February 2014, approving 99 revisions to the original standards that were accepted in 2010 (Dunkelberger, 2014). The purpose of this research was to identify current teachers' attitudes towards the new Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS), specifically regarding teachers' perceptions of text complexity and close reading as enacted in the reading curriculum....
Show moreThe Florida Department of Education revised the Common Core State Standards into what are now known as the Florida Standards in February 2014, approving 99 revisions to the original standards that were accepted in 2010 (Dunkelberger, 2014). The purpose of this research was to identify current teachers' attitudes towards the new Language Arts Florida Standards (LAFS), specifically regarding teachers' perceptions of text complexity and close reading as enacted in the reading curriculum. Additionally, this study will attempt to identify how teachers' attitudes impact their implementation of the new standards. This research used a self-administered survey to collect the teacher perceptions of the LAFS in six different categories. The sample entailed the participation of 21 practicing teachers from the Central Florida area. The survey revealed that, although teachers don't necessarily dislike the construction of the standards, they feel that they are not knowledgeable in some integral areas of the LAFS, such as text complexity and close reading. The implications of the results are discussed, and some improvements for the future of the LAFS are given.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004682, ucf:45281
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004682
- Title
- PERCEPTIONS OF PRESERVICE TEACHER CANDIDATES TOWARDS GIFTED EDUCATION TRAINING AND OBTAINING THE GIFTED EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATE IN FLORIDA.
- Creator
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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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004277, ucf:44940
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004277
- Title
- Teachers' Perceptions of Safety Regarding School Shootings.
- Creator
-
Olive, Megan, Donley, Amy, Reckdenwald, Amy, Mustaine, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
As a result of high media attention surrounding school shootings in recent years, it may appear that American public schools are becoming dangerous places (Schildkraut (&) Elsass, 2016; Elsass, Schildkraut, (&) Stafford, 2016; Toppo, 2013). Though schools remain to be one of the safest locations for children, various safety measures are discussed and implemented in schools to combat this perceived problem and ensure the safety of school campuses. Discussions of best safety practices spikes...
Show moreAs a result of high media attention surrounding school shootings in recent years, it may appear that American public schools are becoming dangerous places (Schildkraut (&) Elsass, 2016; Elsass, Schildkraut, (&) Stafford, 2016; Toppo, 2013). Though schools remain to be one of the safest locations for children, various safety measures are discussed and implemented in schools to combat this perceived problem and ensure the safety of school campuses. Discussions of best safety practices spikes directly following a school shooting event from relevant parties, such as school administration, law enforcement agencies, parents, and students, (Crawford (&) Burns, 2015; Chrusciel, Wolfe, Hansen, Rojek, (&) Kaminski, 2014) but little existing literature focuses on teachers, more specifically how safe teachers perceive schools to be with regard to gun violence and school shootings. This study seeks to build upon the small body of literature that currently exists on teachers' perceptions of safety and hopes to introduce new opportunities for research in the future. This study is comprised of 212 teachers throughout Central Florida. The results of this research show that while teachers overall feel very safe teaching at their schools, there are areas they believe can be improved upon. Of the safety measures used to prevent and reduce gun violence at schools, program-based safety measures and School Resource Officers make these teachers feel the safest. These perceptions of safety do not vary from one Central Florida county to the next, as most teachers are largely in agreement as to what measures make them feel safe. It was also revealed that most teachers in the sample are also unsupportive of legislation that would allow classroom teachers to carry firearms on school campuses.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007698, ucf:52449
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007698
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0006368, ucf:51495
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006368
- Title
- A Study of the Effectiveness of the Equals Mathematics Curriculum and Teacher Perceptions Of and Attitudes About the Curriculum.
- Creator
-
Hughes, Jennifer, Murray, Kenneth, Kennedy, Mary, Doherty, Walter, Bai, Haiyan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if the use of the Equals mathematics curriculum had any statistically significant impact on the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment mathematics scores of students with disabilities in six Florida school districts when comparing the scores of those who received mathematics instruction via the curriculum to the scores of students with disabilities in six other Florida school districts who did not receive mathematics instruction via the curriculum. This study further examined the perceptions of and attitudes about the Equals mathematics curriculum that exist among Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers who teach mathematics to students with disabilities participating in the Florida Alternate Assessment (FAA).The study utilized a mixed methods approach to research that included both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative portion of the study was conducted using archival data obtained from the 2012 Florida Alternate Assessment Data Book. A Mann-Whitney U Test was conducted through SPSS at a significance level of ? = .05 to test for relative differences in performance between the treatment (Equals) and control (non-Equals) groups. Based on the results, the Equals mathematics curriculum did not have any statistically significant impact on the 2012 FAA mathematics scores for students with disabilities in the treatment school districts at any of the tested grade groupings (elementary, middle, high, and overall).The qualitative method of data collection utilized an online teacher survey. The results were analyzed using the researcher-coded results and assisted through summary tables provided by Survey-Monkey. Differences and similarities among the survey question responses were explored. Common terms and themes were noted and compared. Data triangulation was used by surveying teachers from five of the six treatment counties. This promoted generalizability for study replication since the treatment counties train teachers and utilize the curriculum in different manners. The results of the qualitative analysis indicated that many teachers were not satisfied with the training they received and felt overwhelmed by the curriculum itself, specifically in the areas of lesson planning and delivery. Based on the quantitative and qualitative results, it was concluded that further research needs to be completed to determine the effectiveness of the Equals mathematics curriculum when used with true fidelity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004866, ucf:49651
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004866
- Title
- A CORRELATIONAL STUDY ABOUT COACHING AND TEACHERS' ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS, AND PRACTICES IN READING INSTRUCTION.
- Creator
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Conway, Joan, Zygouris-Coe, Vicky, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to explore elementary teachers' self-reporting of: a) work with a reading coach and b) attitudes, perceptions, and practices in teaching reading. The five point ratings and open-ended responses on the survey were the sources of data. Surveys were returned by 85% of teachers in five elementary schools in Collier County, Florida. Correlations of survey items were analyzed on the basis of the aggregated data and the following subgroups: certification, years of...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore elementary teachers' self-reporting of: a) work with a reading coach and b) attitudes, perceptions, and practices in teaching reading. The five point ratings and open-ended responses on the survey were the sources of data. Surveys were returned by 85% of teachers in five elementary schools in Collier County, Florida. Correlations of survey items were analyzed on the basis of the aggregated data and the following subgroups: certification, years of experience, school demographics, and grade levels. The survey in this study was excerpted and adapted from a survey, which was tested for validity and reliability, used with teachers in a research study, and published by the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) in Evaluating professional development: An approach to verifying program impact on teachers and students (Shaha, Lewis, O'Donnell, & Brown, 2004). Permission to use the survey was granted by Performance Learning Systems, Inc. and the National Staff Development Council (see Acknowledgements). The primary question for this study was: Are teachers' self-reports of their attitudes, perceptions, and instructional practices on the Reading Instruction Survey correlated with the amount of coaching they indicated they had received? Secondary questions pertained to how the results changed for the subgroups. The literature review contained information about resources and research in reading that led to the provision of reading coaches. High-stakes for the improvement of reading instruction from federal, state, and local levels provided a rationale for the study. The results of this study indicated that coaching made a difference for these teachers. The aggregated and disaggregated data revealed small to large, significant correlations to coaching. The items with the greatest number and magnitude of correlations to coaching were isolated skills instruction and intervention plans. The evidence of positive relationships of attitudes, perceptions, and practices to work with a coach is an important finding. The limited correlations of skilled, balanced, and integrated strategies led to questions about the content of the coaching. Further research is needed to determine whether the content of the professional development offered by coaches is comprehensive enough to impact reading proficiency levels of all students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- Identifier
- CFE0001357, ucf:46970
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001357
- Title
- PERCEPTIONS OF THE EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL DISABILITY LABEL ON EDUCATORS' REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT DECISIONS TO GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAMS.
- Creator
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Marrah, Charissa, Little, Mary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Socio-culturally diverse students with disabilities are underrepresented in gifted and talented programs. This study investigated the differences in educators' referral and placement decisions based on a students' disability label, socio-economic status (SES), and ethnicity. Two hundred and eighty five educators' (classroom teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers) across a Florida school district participated in the study. Educators' were...
Show moreSocio-culturally diverse students with disabilities are underrepresented in gifted and talented programs. This study investigated the differences in educators' referral and placement decisions based on a students' disability label, socio-economic status (SES), and ethnicity. Two hundred and eighty five educators' (classroom teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers) across a Florida school district participated in the study. Educators' were randomly assigned to treatment and control case vignettes that described a student with emotional/behavioral disabled (EBD) and gifted characteristics. Treatment case vignettes explicitly stated the students' disability label, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. Control case vignettes described of the student examined and did not mention the disability label, ethnicity, or socio-economic status of the student. After reading the case vignette, participants responded to a two-item questionnaire that explained their referral and placement decisions of the student described in the vignette. Participants responses to the two item questionnaire were indicated by selecting one of six choices: strongly agree, slightly agree, agree, disagree, slightly disagree, and strongly disagree. Reponses were the dependent variables being measured. A three-way factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to measure the differences in educators' referral and placement decisions based on a student's disability label, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. Results indicate educators' awareness of a students' disability label, socio-economic status, and ethnicity influence referral decisions. Implications are discussed and recommendations for future research are made.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001777, ucf:47260
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001777
- Title
- An Exploration of the Perceived Change in Administrators' Skill in Giving Targeted Feedback.
- Creator
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Anderson, Kathryn, Taylor, Rosemarye, Baldwin, Lee, Johnson, Jerry, Moxley, Susan, Buckridge, Hilary, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Teachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers...
Show moreTeachers require research-based feedback from their instructional leaders to push their practice forward. Opportunities to intellectually struggle, develop and communicate our understanding is a venue for learning. Professional learning provides these opportunities and current leadership issues require administrators to deepen their instructional leadership expertise. Results of this study revealed ways of preparing instructional leaders with the skills to give targeted feedback to teachers as evidenced by the alignment of administrators and teacher results. The ability to give feedback to teachers needs to be part of a collaborative cycle as evidenced in the growth from September 2016 to January 2017 survey results for administrators (d=.56), as well as the statistically significant results of the independent t Tests for both administrators (p(<).000) and teachers (p(<).018).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0006969, ucf:51649
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006969
- Title
- ELEMENTARY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEMATIC UNIT INSTRUCTION VERSUS SINGLE-SUBJECT INSTRUCTION.
- Creator
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Shea, Shana, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The focus of this research project was to determine whether thematic unit instruction or traditional, single-subject instruction was perceived to be the more effective and engaging way of teaching as decided by pre-service teachers. Research has shown that incorporating multiple subjects into one unit or topic of study helps to create more engagement and connections to which students can relate. In creating these connections, students can relate the content to their real life and in turn,...
Show moreThe focus of this research project was to determine whether thematic unit instruction or traditional, single-subject instruction was perceived to be the more effective and engaging way of teaching as decided by pre-service teachers. Research has shown that incorporating multiple subjects into one unit or topic of study helps to create more engagement and connections to which students can relate. In creating these connections, students can relate the content to their real life and in turn, better comprehend and retain the material. The pre-service teachers attend the University of Central Florida, College of Education and Human Performance. They voluntarily participated in completing a survey about their perceptions of single subject instruction versus thematic unit instruction. In the survey, the pre-service teachers seemed to be varied on what they believed was a better method of instruction for their future students. The pre-service teachers were split 50/50 as to whether they will teach traditionally, single-subject, or thematically. The pre-service teachers were unanimous in the idea that if they had the support of other teachers and administration as well as resources and research to guide them, that thematic instruction is a method of teaching that they would consider using. Nearly all of the teachers surveyed referred back to doing what is in the best interest of their students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004719, ucf:45376
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004719
- Title
- WHY EVIDENCE MATTERS: EXAMINING THE KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS.
- Creator
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Campbell, Stefanie, Storey, Valerie, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Evidence-based educational policymaking has become a global phenomenon (Wiseman, 2010). According to the Institute of Education Sciences, evidence-based education is "an integration of the professional wisdom and the best available empirical evidence on making decision about how to deliver instructions" (IES, US Department of Education, 2012). This suggests that best practice requires teachers to ensure that instructional strategies and programs implemented in their classroom have been...
Show moreEvidence-based educational policymaking has become a global phenomenon (Wiseman, 2010). According to the Institute of Education Sciences, evidence-based education is "an integration of the professional wisdom and the best available empirical evidence on making decision about how to deliver instructions" (IES, US Department of Education, 2012). This suggests that best practice requires teachers to ensure that instructional strategies and programs implemented in their classroom have been studied in scientific experiments to determine their effectiveness. The general public, as well as practicing teachers, holds an assumption that educators have knowledge as to what is evidence-based education. However, this is not always the case. The objective of this these include: to document how pre-service teachers access research findings and what types of findings they use in their practice, to identify the purposes of its utilization, to identify the factors that influence research utilization, and to ensure the accessibility of the findings of this study. The population for this study will be pre-service teachers at a large public higher education institution and one state college. In order to meet these objectives I conducted a survey, a pre-service teacher focus group, and an interview with faculty. Research findings will impact pre-service teacher preparation programs and increase our understanding of the link between the researchers and educators
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFH0004707, ucf:45406
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004707
- Title
- A Formative Process Evaluation Study of Teacher Usage of a Learning Management System in a K-12 Public School.
- Creator
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Franzese, Victoria, Gunter, Glenda, Swan, Bonnie, Hartshorne, Richard, Vitale, Thomas, Rath, Victoria, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study is to explore teacher perceptions, concerns, and integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a K-12 public school. With more educational institutions adopting LMSs, it is imperative to examine teachers' concerns regarding the tool as teachers have an important role in how effectively an innovation(-)such as an LMS(-)is implemented (Lochner, Conrad, (&) Graham, 2015). Ultimately, adoption of an innovation can be successful if teachers have an understanding of...
Show moreThe purpose of this study is to explore teacher perceptions, concerns, and integration of a Learning Management System (LMS) in a K-12 public school. With more educational institutions adopting LMSs, it is imperative to examine teachers' concerns regarding the tool as teachers have an important role in how effectively an innovation(-)such as an LMS(-)is implemented (Lochner, Conrad, (&) Graham, 2015). Ultimately, adoption of an innovation can be successful if teachers have an understanding of the components leading to the innovation's success, such as the innovation's value in enhancing both the curriculum and the students' learning experiences (Lochner et al., 2015). This study used the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) as a main framework to not only measure implementation of the LMS, but to also increase the likelihood of the LMS effecting positive change in schools (George, Hall, (&) Stiegelbauer, 2006). The framework's Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) was used with participants to determine teachers' concerns. The sample population for this study consisted of secondary teachers at a public high school in central Florida in 2017. Out of the 125 teachers employed at the school, a total of 36 (n = 36) participated in the online survey. Three of the teachers surveyed then participated in interviews to provide additional insight.Data was analyzed and organized into five main topics: (a) Stages of Concern Profile; (b) teacher concerns; (c) benefits of the LMS; (d) barriers to the LMS; and (e) teacher needs. An analysis of the survey data revealed that the study's survey participants, on average, had the highest concerns at Stage 0 (Unconcerned), Stage 1 (Informational) and Stage 2 (Personal), thus indicating the group conformed to a non-user profile when it comes to LMS use. An analysis of the interview data revealed an overall positive disposition toward the LMS with the self-awareness that participants have more to learn about its capabilities. Results suggested that LMS implementation should be refined in order to allow participants to advance to higher stages of concern (George et al., 2006). Further research should be conducted on other areas of LMS implementation, including the students' perceptions and concerns when it comes to using the LMS.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006739, ucf:51834
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006739