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Title: PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF PROMOTING TEACHER AUTONOMY THROUGH THE USE OF LESSON STUDY.
Creator: Leon, Rachel, Wise, William Scott, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The intent of thesis is to explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of using a form of professional development to promote teacher autonomy. Current evidence shows that autonomy is a recurring element desired by American teachers in their profession. However, research advocates for teachers who are initiating and carrying out research in their schools(as a form of professional development) to have the potential to promote autonomy. For American teachers to gain a sense of autonomy in their...
Show moreThe intent of thesis is to explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of using a form of professional development to promote teacher autonomy. Current evidence shows that autonomy is a recurring element desired by American teachers in their profession. However, research advocates for teachers who are initiating and carrying out research in their schools(as a form of professional development) to have the potential to promote autonomy. For American teachers to gain a sense of autonomy in their profession there needs to be a change in the way professional development is directed. One form of professional development that promotes teachers as researchers is Lesson Study. Teachers who participate in lesson study are given the opportunity to research, collaborate, and learn. A sample population of five Pre-service teachers were interviewed to discover their perceptions of using Lesson Study as a means to promote teacher autonomy. The results of this thesis are that lesson study was regarded, by three out of five of the participants, as an effective way to strengthen teacher autonomy. The implications of the results are discussed, and the descriptions and implications of Lesson Study are provided.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004726, ucf:45381
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004726

Title: Global Perspectives of Pre-Service Teachers: A Comparative Study.
Creator: Poole, Cynthia, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Owens, Tom, Zugelder, Bryan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The importance of global education cannot be overstated in modern American society. A crucial first step to promoting global perspectives in the K-12 classroom is to ensure that the teachers have developed their own global perspectives. Multiple global education frameworks have suggested that two keys to globalizing teacher education curricula are the integration of global content courses and participation in co-curricular cross-cultural experiences. Therefore, this study sought to determine...
Show moreThe importance of global education cannot be overstated in modern American society. A crucial first step to promoting global perspectives in the K-12 classroom is to ensure that the teachers have developed their own global perspectives. Multiple global education frameworks have suggested that two keys to globalizing teacher education curricula are the integration of global content courses and participation in co-curricular cross-cultural experiences. Therefore, this study sought to determine the extent to which global content courses and co-curricular cross-cultural experiences had been integrated into the teacher preparation of pre-service teachers in multiple certification areas at a large public university in Florida, as well as the effects of that integration on the global perspectives of pre-service teachers. The questionnaire used in this study was the Global Perspectives Inventory (GPI) which was designed by Braskamp, Merrill, Braskamp, and Engberg (2012). The GPI was designed to measure individuals' development of global perspectives along three interrelated domains: cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal. This study examined the extent to which pre-service teachers in different certification areas reported participating in global content courses and co-curricular cross-cultural experiences and the effects on their global perspectives.Significant differences in the rate of participation were found in pre-service teachers in one of seven types of global content courses examined, but in none of the eleven types of co-curricular cross-cultural experiences examined. The results of this investigation also confirmed that higher rates of participation in both global content courses and co-curricular cross-cultural experiences have a significant positive relationship with pre-service teachers' global perspectives.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005400, ucf:50449
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005400

Title: Teaching Fractions Procedurally and Conceptually to Pre-Service Elementary Education Teachers.
Creator: Edwards, Deborah, Hopp, Carolyn, Vitale, Thomas, Ortiz, Enrique, French, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: 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.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0006215, ucf:51098
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006215

Title: The Influence of Instruction in Base 8 on Prospective Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching.
Creator: Harshman, Katie, Haciomeroglu, Erhan, Andreasen, Janet, Witta, Eleanor, Safi, Farshid, Lewis, Nancy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research project was to extend existing research literature by providing insight to how prospective teachers with differing levels of mathematical knowledge developed their conceptual understanding of whole number concepts and operations. Prospective teachers of interest were enrolled in an Elementary School Mathematics Course for Teachers (in the College of Education) with a whole number concepts and operations unit set entirely in base 8. In this mixed-mode study,...
Show moreThe focus of this research project was to extend existing research literature by providing insight to how prospective teachers with differing levels of mathematical knowledge developed their conceptual understanding of whole number concepts and operations. Prospective teachers of interest were enrolled in an Elementary School Mathematics Course for Teachers (in the College of Education) with a whole number concepts and operations unit set entirely in base 8. In this mixed-mode study, participants were given the MKT, a measure designed to measure teacher mathematical knowledge for teaching, before and after taking the base 8 unit. The researcher focused on two specific constructs: Common Content Knowledge (CCK) and Specialized Content Knowledge (SCK). The qualitative portion of the study involved carefully constructed student interviews which allowed the researcher to deeply explore how prospective teacher conceptual understanding changed as a result of taking the unit in base 8. Four participants with varying levels of knowledge were selected to be interviewed based upon initial scores on the MKT: 1) low CCK and low SCK, 2) low CCK and high SCK, 3) high CCK and low SCK, 4) high CCK and high SCK. Results of the interviews were used to help explain results from the MKT. Quantitative and qualitative results showed that participants did not significantly increase their CCK, but did experience an increase in their conceptual understanding (SCK) as a result of taking the unit in base 8. Most prospective teachers entering the Elementary School Mathematics Course already had high procedural knowledge of the algorithms associated with elementary mathematics, which could account for the non-significant increase in CCK. Prospective teachers all showed deeper conceptual understanding of whole number concepts and operations at varying levels by the end of the base 8 unit. Prospective teachers showed their increased understanding by way of explanations, justifications, and alternate solution strategies.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006321, ucf:51552
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006321

Title: AN EXPLORATION OF HOW PRE-SERVICE EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS USE EDUCATIVE CURRICULUM MATERIALS TO SUPPORT THEIR SCIENCE TEACHING PRACTICES.
Creator: Englehart, Deirdre, Boote, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research indicates that a proportion of elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching science to young children. These teachers are unaware of the best methods of approaching science and don't have the science background knowledge to support teaching through inquiry methods. This case study explores the role educative curriculum materials play in supporting pre-service early childhood education teachers' knowledge with science content and teaching practices. Specifically, I examine...
Show moreResearch indicates that a proportion of elementary teachers are not comfortable teaching science to young children. These teachers are unaware of the best methods of approaching science and don't have the science background knowledge to support teaching through inquiry methods. This case study explores the role educative curriculum materials play in supporting pre-service early childhood education teachers' knowledge with science content and teaching practices. Specifically, I examine how educative materials impact pre-service teacher's content knowledge in science and their pedagogical content knowledge related to inquiry methods. Three pre-service early childhood teachers participated in this research. The teachers were initially interviewed about teaching science based upon three instruments: Views of Science Inquiry, Views of the Nature of Science and the Science Teachers Efficacy Beliefs Inventory. Each subject was observed teaching science in their internship site: the first lessons taught were guided or approved by their teachers and the next lessons were conducted using the support of educative curriculum materials. Finally, the initial instruments were once again administered along with an interview to obtain changes in teacher's knowledge, beliefs and understandings of science and science teaching. Results from this research indicate that educative curriculum was supportive of teachers in a variety of ways. Most importantly, this curriculum helped teachers to target more aspects of scientific inquiry during their science lessons than lessons without the use of educative curriculum. The important considerations regarding the effectiveness of the educative curriculum for these pre-service teachers were their underlying beliefs about how science should be taught, their uses of the curriculum materials and reflective practices regarding their own teaching. Results specifically related to early childhood educators include the level of inquiry implemented with young children and how children communicate their findings. Young children need support in their participation of inquiry learning. Successful implementation of guided inquiry practices occurred in this research. Also, the teachers in this research found insightful ways that directly supported young children in their communication of ideas. Implications for further research are also discussed. Educative materials could further support pre-service early childhood teachers if additional supports were used including accessible curricular rationales, support in classroom management and the specific use of guided inquiry.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002142, ucf:47520
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002142

Title: A QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE AT-RISK STUDENT.
Creator: Quintero, Andrea M, Gresham, Regina Harwood, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this study was to identify preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student and their perceptions toward their educational preparation to effectively teach the at-risk student. A ten-question survey was conducted to gain insight on 15 preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student. The results showed that 100% of the preservice teachers believe at-risk students could learn, but then were dissatisfied with the training that the teacher preparation program at the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to identify preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student and their perceptions toward their educational preparation to effectively teach the at-risk student. A ten-question survey was conducted to gain insight on 15 preservice teachers' perceptions of the at-risk student. The results showed that 100% of the preservice teachers believe at-risk students could learn, but then were dissatisfied with the training that the teacher preparation program at the university has provided them. These findings suggest the importance of conducting further research on preservice teachers' preparation programs. Preservice teachers' ability to effectively teach the at-risk student can have a lasting impact on these students and their success in the future.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFH2000142, ucf:45981
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000142

Title: Boots on the Ground: A Participant-Oriented Approach to Program Evaluation.
Creator: Djak, Nikki, Vitale, Thomas, Cox, Thomas, Boote, David, Swan, Bonnie, Goodman, Constance, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite best efforts to fully prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge and skills they will need as educators, many universities nationwide fall short of doing so. Poor or unrelated pre-service preparation of education majors prior to graduation creates disconnects between college coursework requirements and real-world expectations of educators, which decreases the value of these education programs. It also leaves many PSTs entering internship and subsequent first-year...
Show moreDespite best efforts to fully prepare pre-service teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge and skills they will need as educators, many universities nationwide fall short of doing so. Poor or unrelated pre-service preparation of education majors prior to graduation creates disconnects between college coursework requirements and real-world expectations of educators, which decreases the value of these education programs. It also leaves many PSTs entering internship and subsequent first-year employment ill-prepared to handle all of the classroom responsibilities expected of them, which contributes to another nationwide problem: low retention of novice teachers. To address comprehensive preparation of PSTs, professors at one large metropolitan university in the southeastern United States initiated the Boots on the Ground (BotG) program, which exposes PSTs to direct instructional opportunities with K-12 students concurrently with early coursework. Multiple studies have found that closely integrating field experience with coursework is highly influential in increasing both the preparedness of PSTs and their self-efficacy as educators. This study is a mixed methods, participant-oriented program evaluation of the BotG program, meant to explore stakeholders' perspectives on the program's influence and inform improvement. It looks at the affect the BotG program has on perceived preparedness and self-efficacy of PSTs as well as its impact on different stakeholder groups. Study findings indicate that the early exposure to the profession and experience working with K-12 students provided to pre-service teachers who participated in the Boots on the Ground program may provide them with a means to increase perceptions of preparedness and self-efficacy for teaching. Findings also detail the program's influence on other stakeholders, including provision of extra support for the academic and behavioral support of K-12 students. The researcher also suggests implications for education and recommendations for further research.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007171, ucf:52287
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007171

Title: Preservice Teachers and Perceived Stress: A Comparative Study.
Creator: Evans, Kelsey, Russell, William, Hewitt, Randall, Hynes, Mike, Jahani, Shiva, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Teachers are being pushed to the brink of burnout and leaving the profession, placing teachers' health and wellness in jeopardy (Daniels (&) Strauss, 2009; Maslach (&) Leiter, 2008; Stephenson, 2012; Vladut (&) Kallay, 2010; Wilkerson, 2009). Yet, it has become increasingly clear teacher stress may start prior to entering the profession (Brown (&) Ryan, 2003, Darling-Hammond, 2006). The researcher used a non-experimental design to evaluate the perceived stress among pre-service teachers...
Show moreTeachers are being pushed to the brink of burnout and leaving the profession, placing teachers' health and wellness in jeopardy (Daniels (&) Strauss, 2009; Maslach (&) Leiter, 2008; Stephenson, 2012; Vladut (&) Kallay, 2010; Wilkerson, 2009). Yet, it has become increasingly clear teacher stress may start prior to entering the profession (Brown (&) Ryan, 2003, Darling-Hammond, 2006). The researcher used a non-experimental design to evaluate the perceived stress among pre-service teachers enrolled in internship, and if the coping style of mindfulness had any correlation on self-reported stress levels. The quantitative study surveyed 332 student interns using the Perceived Stress Survey (Cohen (&) Williams, 1988) to depict perceived stress levels of pre-service teachers. A demographic questionnaire was also administered. The results indicated an increase in perceived stress, suggesting that stress may vary across the demographic variables of gender. Mindfulness was researched as a potential solution, however, there was no correlation between mindfulness and stress levels. education is necessary in the discussion and implementation of mindfulness as a potential intervention tool for stress. Further research is needed for a deeper understanding of gender, and how mindfulness may be a positive intervention to perceived stress.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007628, ucf:52546
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007628

Title: The effect of pre-service teaching on student achievement using a co-teaching model at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida.
Creator: McHale, Walton, Murray, Kenneth, Murray, Barbara, Doherty, Walter, Hutchinson, Cynthia, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study was focused on the effect of pre-service teaching utilizing a co-teaching model on student achievement at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida. The contribution of university student teachers (i.e., interns) to elementary school achievement was investigated. Specifically explored was the difference between student achievement scores in classes with interns who participated in a co-teaching model and interns in classes that did not employ any...
Show moreThis study was focused on the effect of pre-service teaching utilizing a co-teaching model on student achievement at an elementary school in a large, urban school district in central Florida. The contribution of university student teachers (i.e., interns) to elementary school achievement was investigated. Specifically explored was the difference between student achievement scores in classes with interns who participated in a co-teaching model and interns in classes that did not employ any structured approach to intern teaching. The researcher compared seven classes that employed co-teaching, where the university intern teacher and master teacher remained in the class conducting instruction, to seven classes that had a more traditional approach to the intern teaching. The co-teaching intern model did not exert a significant effect, either positive or negative, on student achievement. Also investigated was the effect of an intern, utilizing any model, on student achievement scores, when compared to similar classes without the presence of an intern. The study utilized 14 classes with interns and 13 classes without interns; each group had populations of approximately 285 students. The presence of an intern did not exert a significant effect, either positive or negative, on student achievement. However, the data indicated that the presence of an intern could positively influence mathematics scores.Additionally, the impact of teacher quality and socio-economic status on student achievement in reading and mathematics were explored. The data revealed the value of the individual teacher significantly affected student success in reading and mathematics. In reading, socio-economic status also significantly affected student achievement.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005841, ucf:50912
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005841

Title: Pre-Service Elementary Teachers' Self-Efficacy Beliefs About Science Using Critical Incident Technique: A Case Study Approach.
Creator: Ravikumar, Meera, Jeanpierre, Bobby, Everett, Robert, Hopp, Carolyn, Dieker, Lisa, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The primary goal of this case study using qualitative and quantitative methods was to investigate pre-service elementary teachers' initial self-efficacy beliefs about science and science teaching by exploring the K-12 science experiences of these prospective elementary teachers. Of the 108 participants who completed the science teaching efficacy belief survey (STEBI-B) (Enochs (&) Riggs, 1990), 12 participants were selected to be interviewed using Flanagan's (1954) critical incident technique...
Show moreThe primary goal of this case study using qualitative and quantitative methods was to investigate pre-service elementary teachers' initial self-efficacy beliefs about science and science teaching by exploring the K-12 science experiences of these prospective elementary teachers. Of the 108 participants who completed the science teaching efficacy belief survey (STEBI-B) (Enochs (&) Riggs, 1990), 12 participants were selected to be interviewed using Flanagan's (1954) critical incident technique. Participants were asked to share their past positive and negative incidents during their K-12 years with science and science teachers. They were also asked to report how past incidents affected them at present and how they believed they would impact them as future teachers of science in elementary schools.The past positive and negative incidents were analyzed using Bandura's (1977) four sources of self-efficacy (mastery, vicarious, social persuasion, and physiological/emotional) and by school level; and the impact of the past science incidents on the subjects' present and future beliefs as science teachers were categorized. The results of this study revealed that pre-service elementary teachers' self-efficacy and beliefs were largely influenced by their past experiences with science in the K-12 years, and mastery experiences dominated as a source of self-efficacy. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research were made based on the findings of the study.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004916, ucf:49632
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004916

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.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003686, ucf:48839
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003686

Title: A Multiple Case Study Exploring the Relationship Between Engagement in Model-Eliciting Activities and Pre-Service Secondary Mathematics Teachers' Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching Algebra.
Creator: Abassian, Aline, Safi, Farshid, Dixon, Juli, Andreasen, Janet, Bush, Sarah, Bostic, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure...
Show moreThe goal of this research study was to explore the nature of the relationship between engagement in model-eliciting activities (MEAs) and pre-service secondary mathematics teachers' (PSMTs') mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) algebra. The data collection took place in an undergraduate mathematics education content course for secondary mathematics education majors. In this multiple case study, PSMTs were given a Learning Mathematics for Teaching (LMT) pre-assessment designed to measure their MKT algebra, and based on those results, three participants were selected with varying levels of knowledge. This was done to ensure varied cases were represented in order to be able to examine and describe multiple perspectives. The three examined cases were Oriana, a PSMT with high MKT, Bianca, a PSMT with medium MKT, and Helaine, a PSMT with low MKT. Over the course of five weeks, the three PSMTs were recorded exploring three MEAs, participated in two interviews, and submitted written reflections. The extensive amount of data collected in this study allowed the researcher to deeply explore the PSMTs' MKT algebra in relation to the given MEAs, with a focus on three specific constructs(-)bridging, trimming, and decompressing(-) based on the Knowledge of Algebra for Teaching (KAT) framework. The results of this study suggest that engaging in MEAs could elicit PSMTs' MKT algebra, and in some cases such tasks were beneficial to their trimming, bridging, and decompressing abilities. Exploring MEAs immersed the PSMTs in generating descriptions, explanations, and constructions, that helped reveal how they interpreted mathematical situations that they encountered. The tasks served as useful tools for PSMTs to have deep discussions and productive discourse on various algebra topics, and make many different mathematical connections in the process.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007143, ucf:52305
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007143

Title: ELEMENTARY PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THEMATIC UNIT INSTRUCTION VERSUS SINGLE-SUBJECT INSTRUCTION.
Creator: Shea, Shana, Hoffman, Elizabeth, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: 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.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004719, ucf:45376
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004719

Title: An Analysis of Undergraduate Elementary School Pre-Service Teachers' Ability to Contextualize Fraction Expressions and Decontextualize Fraction Word Problems.
Creator: Tapp, Laura, Ortiz, Enrique, Andreasen, Janet, Dixon, Juli, Witta, Eleanor, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The focus of this research was to expand on existing literature by providing information on elementary school pre-service teachers' ability to contextualize fraction expressions and decontextualize fraction word problems. The elementary school pre-service teachers who participated in this study were enrolled in a mathematics for elementary school teachers content course in a college of education at a large university during the Spring 2016 semester. In this mixed-method study, the...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to expand on existing literature by providing information on elementary school pre-service teachers' ability to contextualize fraction expressions and decontextualize fraction word problems. The elementary school pre-service teachers who participated in this study were enrolled in a mathematics for elementary school teachers content course in a college of education at a large university during the Spring 2016 semester. In this mixed-method study, the participants were given the Contextualization and Decontextualization of Fractions Instrument (CDFI) which assessed elementary school pre-service teachers' ability to solve fraction word problems and identify decontextualized fraction word problems into expressions and contextualized fraction expressions into word problems. The elementary school pre-service teachers were given the CDFI before and after they completed a unit on fractions. Of the 52 participants who completed both the pre- and post- CDFI, 11 were selected to participant in think aloud interviews in which they decontextualized fraction expressions from word problems and solved and contextualized fraction word problems from expressions. Quantitative results showed an overall statistically significant difference in the elementary school pre-service teachers' pre- and post- test scores. With the exception of two questions, all questions on the CDFI showed a statistically significant difference between the pre- and the post- test scores. No statistical significance was found in the responses to the question that required the elementary school pre-service teachers to identify the expression that matched the given fraction subtraction word problem. A large number of participants correctly identified the correct subtraction expression on the pre-test, and only slightly more of them were able to identify the correct subtraction expression on the post-test. No statistical significance was found in the responses to the question that required the elementary school pre-service teachers to explain their selection of a contextualized fraction multiplication expression. Though there was an increase in the elementary school pre-service teachers' ability to explain their selection of the contextualized fraction multiplication expression, it was not statistically significant. The qualitative analysis of the think aloud interview data showed that some of the elementary school pre-service teachers struggled with contextualizing fraction expressions. Most of the elementary school pre-service teachers did not struggle with solving the fraction word problems, but did struggle with decontextualizing fraction multiplication word problems.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006506, ucf:51405
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006506

Title: Pre-service teacher perceptions on the education of children with critical illness and preparation to teach mathematics to children with critical illness.
Creator: Fralish, Bethany, Nickels, Megan, Bush, Sarah, Kelley, Michelle, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research study presents data on three pre-service elementary teachers in an ethnographic study outlining the experiences of the pre-service elementary teachers during the semester of their first education internship. During the first internship semester, the three pre-service teachers completed a 12-week internship placement, 6-weeks at a hospital-based school program and 6-weeks at a brick-and-mortar public school, and three co-requisite courses (i.e., elementary mathematics methods,...
Show moreThis research study presents data on three pre-service elementary teachers in an ethnographic study outlining the experiences of the pre-service elementary teachers during the semester of their first education internship. During the first internship semester, the three pre-service teachers completed a 12-week internship placement, 6-weeks at a hospital-based school program and 6-weeks at a brick-and-mortar public school, and three co-requisite courses (i.e., elementary mathematics methods, diagnostic and corrective reading, and teaching exceptional students). The data collected includes the pre-service teacher applications to participate in internship at the hospital-based school program, pre-interview questionnaire, end-of-day reflections, post-interview questionnaire, and background information questionnaire. The questions of study were: (1) How prepared do pre-service teachers feel to educate children with critical illness and address the needs of children with critical illness in the classroom as a result of completion of a 6-week internship at a hospital-based school program? (2) How prepared do pre-service teachers feel to teach mathematics to children with critical illness after completing a 6-week internship at a hospital-based school program? The results show that the participants' reported an increase in preparation to teach children with critical illness and teach them mathematics, but their views about the education of children with a critical illness and mathematics remain consistent. Thus, the results illuminated two themes across all participants: 1) children as a homogenous group 2) procedural mathematics. Study implications include the need to add specific professional learning on the educational impacts of a critical illness and the need to involve pre-service teachers in reflective practices of what they learn and observe and how that informs actions in the classroom.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007804, ucf:52354
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007804

Title: Metaphoric Competence as a Means to Meta-Cognitive Awareness in First-Year Composition.
Creator: Dadurka, David, Scott, John, Marinara, Martha, Wallace, David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A growing body of writing research suggests college students' and teachers' conceptualizations of writing play an important role in learning to write and making the transition from secondary to post-secondary academic composition. First-year college writers are not blank slates; rather, they bring many assumptions and beliefs about academic writing to the first-year writing classroom from exposure to a wide range of literate practices throughout their lives. Metaphor acts as a way for...
Show moreA growing body of writing research suggests college students' and teachers' conceptualizations of writing play an important role in learning to write and making the transition from secondary to post-secondary academic composition. First-year college writers are not blank slates; rather, they bring many assumptions and beliefs about academic writing to the first-year writing classroom from exposure to a wide range of literate practices throughout their lives. Metaphor acts as a way for scholars to trace students' as well as their instructors' assumptions and beliefs about writing. In this study, I contend that metaphor is a pathway to meta-cognitive awareness, mindfulness, and reflection. This multi-method descriptive study applies metaphor analysis to a corpus of more than a dozen first-year composition students' end-of-semester writing portfolios; the study also employs an auto-ethnographic approach to examining this author's texts composed as a graduate student and novice teacher. In several cases writing students in this study appeared to reconfigure their metaphors for writing and subsequently reconsider their assumptions about writing. My literature review and analysis suggests that metaphor remains an underutilized inventive and reflective strategy in composition pedagogy. Based on these results, I suggest that instructors consider how metaphoric competence might offer writers and writing instructors an alternate means for operationalizing key habits of mind such as meta-cognitive awareness, reflection, openness to learning, and creativity as recommended in the Framework for Success in Post-Secondary Writing. Ultimately, I argue that writers and teachers might benefit from adopting a more flexible attitude towards metaphor. As a rhetorical trope, metaphors are contextual and, thus, writers need to learn to mix, discard, create, and obscure metaphors as required by the situation.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004303, ucf:49475
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004303

Title: Evaluating Improvisation as a Technique for Training Pre-Service Teachers for Inclusive Classrooms.
Creator: Becker, Theresa, Hines, Rebecca, Beverly, Monifa, Hopp, Carolyn, Hamed, Kastro, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: 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.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004516, ucf:49273
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004516

pre-service teachers (7)	+ -
Pre-Service Teachers (2)	+ -
co-teaching (2)	+ -
ADDIE (1)	+ -
Character Education (1)	+ -

Citizenship Education (1)	+ -
Contextualization (1)	+ -
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Demographics (1)	+ -
English Language Learners (ELL) (1)	+ -
Expressions (1)	+ -
Florida standards (1)	+ -
Fractions (1)	+ -
Lesson Study (1)	+ -
MARS (1)	+ -
Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching (1)	+ -
Mathematical Modeling (1)	+ -
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Mathematics Education (1)	+ -
Mindfulness (1)	+ -
Model-Eliciting Activities (1)	+ -
Moral Education (1)	+ -
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Pre-service teaching (1)	+ -
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Honors Collection (3)	+ -

University of Central Florida (17)	+ -
Andreasen, Janet (3)	+ -
Hopp, Carolyn (3)	+ -
Russell, William (3)	+ -
Boote, David (2)	+ -

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