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- Title
- Impact of Collaborative Work Analysis Professional Development in Teacher Practice and Student Writing.
- Creator
- Shealy, Kristin L., Burnaford, Gail, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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This qualitative research study explored the influence of collaborative analysis of student work (CASW) as professional development on teacher practice, specifically during lessons and on written teacher feedback on student work. Additionally, teachers' perceptions about the influence of CASW sessions and three 2-week instructional cycles on student writing, including the professional development sessions, lessons, and teacher written feedback, were investigated. Qualitative data were...
Show moreThis qualitative research study explored the influence of collaborative analysis of student work (CASW) as professional development on teacher practice, specifically during lessons and on written teacher feedback on student work. Additionally, teachers' perceptions about the influence of CASW sessions and three 2-week instructional cycles on student writing, including the professional development sessions, lessons, and teacher written feedback, were investigated. Qualitative data were collected including teacher interviews, CASW observations, classroom observations, and document analysis. Findings indicated that teachers felt that CASW influenced their increased awareness of teaching and student learning, and implications for future teaching for the whole group as well as ideas for next steps for individual students emerged. Teachers supported CASW being job-embedded and practical to daily work; they voiced concerns over the time and scheduling facilitating the professional development required. Teachers responded that they felt that CASW helped them question their assessment of student writing, consistency within and across grade levels and subjects, and the appropriate level of difficulty of their curriculum. Teachers expressed their desire to be able to meet with students more regularly to go over their teacher written feedback and felt that CASW may possibly influence student work over time. Two teachers felt that the CASW professional development could have influenced their written feedback; four teachers felt that it did not. Implications for professional development, public policy, and further research are given.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004547, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004547
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- Evaluation, Action research in education, Educational tests and measurements, Effective teaching, Teachers, Training of -- Evaluation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Influence of Subject Taught (STEM), Title I, and Grade Level of Instruction for Components in an Effective Professional Development Design.
- Creator
- Perez, Kristen, Kumar, David D., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Professional development has been deemed ineffective for several decades. This ineffectiveness could stem from the one-size-fits-all professional development designs, and the inconsistencies and contradictions pointed out in professional development research (which is used to create these designs). Investigating how subject taught (STEM and non-STEM), Title I status of the school (Title I and non-Title I), and grade level of instruction (elementary, middle and high) could influence teachers’...
Show moreProfessional development has been deemed ineffective for several decades. This ineffectiveness could stem from the one-size-fits-all professional development designs, and the inconsistencies and contradictions pointed out in professional development research (which is used to create these designs). Investigating how subject taught (STEM and non-STEM), Title I status of the school (Title I and non-Title I), and grade level of instruction (elementary, middle and high) could influence teachers’ preferences regarding components included in an effective design is a step toward resolving some of these inconsistencies. The research design was an embedded mixed method – an overall causal-comparative design embedded with interviews. Interviews determined teachers’ perceptions of an effective professional development design. The survey investigated preferences for nine components: content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, active learning, duration, alignment with goals and policies, follow-up, collaboration, support, and resources (tangible and intangible). In the interviews, teachers communicated a need for differentiation based on grade level of instruction, Tittle I status of the school, and subject taught, with high percentages of agreement with the final questions of the survey. The ordinal logistic regression indicated that subject taught and Title I status of the school did not have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable. Breaking up participants according to grade level of instruction (elementary versus secondary) had a statistically significant effect on teachers’ preferences regarding the components included in an effective professional development design. This indicated that professional development should be differentiated based on elementary and secondary instruction. When the researcher reviewed the components, some showed that the independent variables, Title I status of the school and grade level of instruction had a statistically significant effect. Although the ordinal logistic regression revealed a lack of statistical significance, percent differences indicated that factors such as subject taught, Title I status of the school, and grade level of instruction influenced teachers’ preferences regarding specific components in an effective professional development design. These findings illustrate promise that in a larger study, statistical significance might be present. Thus, professional development should be differentiated based on subject taught, Title I status of the school, and grade level of instruction.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005953
- Subject Headings
- Professional development for teachers, STEM
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Preparing Pre-service Teachers to Educate Emerging Bilingual Students: A Textual Analysis of Teacher Education Curriculum in Elementary-Level Language Arts Methods Textbooks.
- Creator
- Mann, David A., Schoorman, Dilys, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Drawing on the principles of critical multicultural teacher education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and bilingual education, this study examined how pre-service teachers were prepared to educate Emerging Bilinguals (EBs) in ESOL-infused teacher education programs in Florida universities. The textual analysis of a purposeful sample of five elementary-level English Language Arts (ELA) methods textbooks, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods,...
Show moreDrawing on the principles of critical multicultural teacher education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and bilingual education, this study examined how pre-service teachers were prepared to educate Emerging Bilinguals (EBs) in ESOL-infused teacher education programs in Florida universities. The textual analysis of a purposeful sample of five elementary-level English Language Arts (ELA) methods textbooks, utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, revealed that authors overwhelmingly referred to EBs as English learners or English language learners, rather than bilinguals or dual language learners, and devoted less than 5% of the total content of four textbooks to topics about teaching methods, curriculum, and assessment for EBs. Evidence of five forms of curriculum bias was found, including invisibility, linguistic bias, fragmentation and isolation, stereotyping, and imbalance and selectivity. The findings suggest that textbook authors value knowledge about teaching EBs less than knowledge about teaching native English-speakers. EBs were stereotyped as a homogenous group of struggling readers and essentialized in terms of their limited English proficiency. One author conflated students’ language differences with physical limitations and learning disabilities, a troubling mischaracterization in the context of the overrepresentation of EBs in special education. Meanwhile, a preference shown for ESL methods over bilingual methods, based upon misconceptions about how EBs learn, suggests that textbook authors undervalue the cultures and linguistic skills that students bring from home. The hidden curriculum in ELA methods textbooks may influence a majority of pre-service teachers, who are typically monolingual and raised in the English-dominant mainstream culture, to develop a deficit view of EBs and utilize a one-size-fits-all approach towards ELA instruction. In order to prepare pre-service teachers to educate EBs for academic success, the teacher education curriculum must include material that explains linguistically responsive instruction and describes effective bilingual education models, within a critical pedagogical framework. Without this knowledge, pre-service teachers may continue instructional practices that contribute to a persistent “achievement gap” experienced by EBs. A transformation of the ELA methods curriculum is required so that pre-service teachers are prepared to implement a humanizing pedagogy that facilitates positive identity formation as it develops bilingual and biliterate students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004747, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004747
- Subject Headings
- Education, Bilingual., Second language acquisition., Language arts (Elementary)--Curricula., Education, Elementary--Curricula., English language--Study and teaching (Elementary)--Foreign speakers--Curricula., Teachers--Training of--Curricula., Psycholinguistics.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Perceptions of Academic Resilience Among Teachers and Twelfth Grade Adolescent Girls.
- Creator
- Obrien, Alise, Burnaford, Gail, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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This qualitative research study explored perceptions of academic resilience among teachers and twelfth grade adolescent girls. Specifically, how students and teachers believe teachers promote academic resilience in students, the characteristics of academically resilient students according to students and teachers, and the characteristics of academically non-resilient students according to teachers. The relationship between the general comments made during student focus group sessions and the...
Show moreThis qualitative research study explored perceptions of academic resilience among teachers and twelfth grade adolescent girls. Specifically, how students and teachers believe teachers promote academic resilience in students, the characteristics of academically resilient students according to students and teachers, and the characteristics of academically non-resilient students according to teachers. The relationship between the general comments made during student focus group sessions and the students' responses on the Locus of Control (LOC) survey were analyzed. Qualitative data were collected including teacher interviews, student focus groups, Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scales for teachers and students as well as the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Survey for students. Findings indicated that teachers and students both reported teachers who were flexible and provided extra help sessions for students promoted academic resilience. It also was reported by teachers and students that developing personal relationships with students helped to promote academic resilience. Teachers and students reported similar characteristics of academically resilient students. Characteristic behaviors of academic resilient students were identified as having ambition or being motivated to be successful. Having a positive attitude and having the ability to be reflective also were identified as characteristic of academic resilience. Finally, teachers and students agreed that having a strong internal locus of control is characteristic of academic resilience.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004529, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004529
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- United States, Belief and doubt, Communication in learning and scholarship, Educational leadership, Motivation in education -- United States, Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence, Success -- Psychological aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Perspectives of Florida Middle Social Studies Teachers Regarding the Impact of High-Stakes Testing on Their Instructional Choices and Resulting Student Learning.
- Creator
- Mulhall, Jennifer, Schoorman, Dilys, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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This mixed-methods study was situated within one Florida county and investigated the impact of a newly initiated end-of-course Civics examination upon middle school teachers’ instruction and student learning. High-stakes testing is often a polarizing issue regarding the perceived benefits and challenges for both students and teachers. Participating teachers completed surveys comprised of Likert-type items and short-answer questions inquiring about their instructional choices and resulting...
Show moreThis mixed-methods study was situated within one Florida county and investigated the impact of a newly initiated end-of-course Civics examination upon middle school teachers’ instruction and student learning. High-stakes testing is often a polarizing issue regarding the perceived benefits and challenges for both students and teachers. Participating teachers completed surveys comprised of Likert-type items and short-answer questions inquiring about their instructional choices and resulting student learning with and without the presence of the Civics EOC examination. A subset of department instructional leaders were interviewed providing additional qualitative data with a wider scope due to their dual positioning as teachers and as links between the social studies teachers at their school and the School District of Sunshine County. The analysis of the data reveals that while civics teachers value the increased prestige brought to the subject area with the introduction of the end-of-course examination, the heightened importance of standards has a resulted in a focus on breadth of content coverage rather than depth of learning, leading to content-centered rather than student-centered classroom environments and subsequent loss of voice and choice in curricular decisions for teachers and students. Teachers feel intense pressure to cover the curriculum, raise test scores and engage in test preparation; they question the soundness of the examination to adequately assess the learning of all students and to capture the essence of civics education: active engagement. Teachers’ perspectives on the effect of the examination on teacher practice and student learning were framed within contextual factors that emerged in the analysis: the abandonment of the policy to introduce foundational content at the elementary level; a lack of communication among stakeholders, but particularly between state-level decision makers and local educators; and an absence of the ongoing scaffolding required to create a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to foster continued growth. Consequently, the recommendations of this study of educators’ voices on the policies that impact their profession are directed primarily at state level policy makers and future researchers regarding the flow of communication, inclusion of teacher feedback, continued teacher development, addition of a participatory component, and curricular alignment.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013134
- Subject Headings
- Middle school teachers, Social studies--Study and teaching (Middle school), Civics--Examinations, Education and state--Florida, Mixed methods research
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Precursors Of Sexualization: Perspectives of Mothers and Female Teachers Regarding the Influence of the Media on 4-Year-Old Girls’ Gender Identity Development.
- Creator
- Malhoyt-Lee, Jennifer M., Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The sexualization of girls is an ongoing issue that has garnered much attention in recent years, with one contributing factor, media, becoming an ever-increasing part of children’s lives. This study explored four questions: How do mothers and teachers perceive the media’s influence on young girls’ identity development? To what extent do these caregivers engage young girls in analyzing media messages? What observed behaviors of 4-year old girls indicate media’s influence? and What are...
Show moreThe sexualization of girls is an ongoing issue that has garnered much attention in recent years, with one contributing factor, media, becoming an ever-increasing part of children’s lives. This study explored four questions: How do mothers and teachers perceive the media’s influence on young girls’ identity development? To what extent do these caregivers engage young girls in analyzing media messages? What observed behaviors of 4-year old girls indicate media’s influence? and What are caregivers interpretations and responses to these behaviors? Analyzing the perceptions of mothers and female teachers of 4-year old girls contributes to a better understanding of how girls are influenced, both by caregivers’ actions and by media consumed. Twelve mothers and female early childhood teachers from three South Florida preschools were interviewed to better understand how girls are influenced by media, and to gain a more holistic perspective of the potential impact of media on young girls’ behaviors and their emerging understanding of what it means to be a girl today. The findings indicate that mothers and female teachers perceive media to be influential in the lives of girls, both in terms of general child development and young girls’ gender identity development. The participants are observing behaviors in their 4-year old girls that indicate media’s influence; these behaviors include sexualized dancing, attitude and language changes, and requests for sexualized clothing and beauty products. Although these mothers and teachers do not yet help girls analyze media messages, they do, however, engage in significant guidance as they interpret and respond to the observed behaviors. These findings reflect a need for media literacy education for parents and teachers, as well as comprehensive sexualization awareness and prevention education for children, parents, and teachers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005957
- Subject Headings
- Gender identity, Girls, Early childhood education, Media
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Talking in Circles: A Mixed Methods Study of School-wide Restorative Practices in Two Urban Middle Schools.
- Creator
- Brown, Martha A., Burnaford, Gail, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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This mixed methods, multisite case study examined the relational ecology of two urban middle schools that had adopted school-wide restorative practices (SWRPs) and the changes that occurred as a result of the reform initiative. The study was conducted in two Title I middle schools in the Oakland Unified School District in California. A positive relational ecology existed in these two urban middle schools, and this ecology was built on the interacting and interrelated themes of relational...
Show moreThis mixed methods, multisite case study examined the relational ecology of two urban middle schools that had adopted school-wide restorative practices (SWRPs) and the changes that occurred as a result of the reform initiative. The study was conducted in two Title I middle schools in the Oakland Unified School District in California. A positive relational ecology existed in these two urban middle schools, and this ecology was built on the interacting and interrelated themes of relational trust, being heard, a relational-based, student-centered culture, and a commitment to the principles of social justice. The positive relational ecology created a strong foundation upon which change could occur at the organizational, individual, and pedagogical levels. Various structures within the schools, including circles, instructional leadership teams, student councils, and peer mediation, created space for teachers and students to be heard and empowered, which subsequently facilitated change and growth for many administrators, teachers, and students. High turnover, lack of initial and ongoing training, and the development of quasi- or non-restorative processes jeopardized program fidelity. Findings revealed that in these restorative schools, relational ecology and change were inseparable, and that they moved and influenced each other. A positive relational ecology created an environment that enabled leaders and staff to feel safe as they embarked upon the journey of change. Changes in the ways that members of the school communities related to each other on a daily basis provided additional motivation to continue the change effort, and these changes then strengthened the relational ecologies. Findings of this study are significant and have implications for schools and school districts, policy makers, and teacher and leader education programs. Future research should include longitudinal, mixed methods studies that assess the school culture before and after implementing SWRPs, as well as experimental or quasi-experimental designs that compare restorative and non-restorative schools. Such studies may provide more empirical evidence that links healthy relational ecologies to student achievement, less teacher turnover, decreased conflict, and healthier communities, thereby strengthening the case for rejecting punitive and discriminatory zero tolerance school discipline policies and adopting restorative justice in education instead.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004483, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004483
- Subject Headings
- Alternative education, Communication and education., Crisis management, Experiential learning, Motivation in education, Oppression (Psychology), Psychology, Applied, Restorative justice, Therapeutic jurisprudence, Transformative learning
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Social Construction Of Teachers and the Teaching Profession Among Florida State Legislators from 1984 to 2015.
- Creator
- Crespo, Janny, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Public officials at the state level currently are called upon to create, evaluate, and implement policies that assess the effectiveness of teacher performance and hold teachers accountable for student achievement. Therefore, understanding the social construction of the teaching profession among those public officials is crucial to understanding the impact of the policy agenda on the work of teachers as well as being essential to exercising influence on the policy process itself. This study...
Show morePublic officials at the state level currently are called upon to create, evaluate, and implement policies that assess the effectiveness of teacher performance and hold teachers accountable for student achievement. Therefore, understanding the social construction of the teaching profession among those public officials is crucial to understanding the impact of the policy agenda on the work of teachers as well as being essential to exercising influence on the policy process itself. This study was an analysis of legislation regarding teacher accountability in an effort to provide insight into how the Florida State Legislature socially constructs the teaching profession. This study used a qualitative methodology to place teachers, as a group, in Schneider and Ingram’s (1993) typology of target populations and made use of historical analysis to trace the changes that have occurred in the social construction of teachers during the period from 1984-2015. In doing so, it found teachers are negatively constructed with a positive power component, correspondingly labeled contenders, on Schneider and Ingram’s typology. Ultimately, the effect of the pressures placed upon teachers has been to create projections of ongoing teacher shortages and to discourage potential candidates from pursuing the profession.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005928
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Education and state--Florida., Social constructionism., Teachers--Florida., Florida. Legislature
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Young Children in Foster Care: A Phenomenological Study of Early Childhood Teachers Experiences.
- Creator
- Rushing, Jacqueline Marie, Bhagwanji, Yashwant, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand, describe, and make meaning of the experiences of early childhood educators of young foster care students. The researcher examined the experiences of teachers regarding the attachment behaviors of their foster care students. This study also sought to explore how early childhood teachers implement their curriculum and how they design their classroom environment to meet the needs of young foster care children. Data collection and...
Show moreThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand, describe, and make meaning of the experiences of early childhood educators of young foster care students. The researcher examined the experiences of teachers regarding the attachment behaviors of their foster care students. This study also sought to explore how early childhood teachers implement their curriculum and how they design their classroom environment to meet the needs of young foster care children. Data collection and analysis included 20 questionnaires and 20 face-to-face semistructured interviews. Data analysis consisted of a three step process. The first step began by reading interviews through a holistic approach. During this step, the researcher read the entire transcript as a whole before digging deeper. The second step in coding was a selective reading. In this step, the researcher read through each transcript by finding key words and/or phrases. The third step in the coding process was a detailed reading. The researcher read the text word-by-word. This step aided the researcher in finding those words that captured the phenomenon of the teachers. The researcher found three major overarching themes: social and emotional behaviors, triad relationship, and classroom accommodations. This study revealed three main themes: attachment-related behaviors of social and emotional development, teacher relationship strategies with student and caregiver, and classroom curricular and environmental adjustments. Within all three of these themes was an underlying theme of a teacher-as-mother perceived attachment from the teachers. The teacher-as-mother perceived attachment was embedded in the experiences of the teachers. It is recommended that this main theme be explored in future research. The experiences of the teachers were completely based on their experiences in this study. The way they intervened on behalf of their foster care students did not appear to relate to any professional development or training; it was entirely based on their experiences. It is recommended that the arena of early childhood would benefit immensely with a course, training, or professional development in learning about the foster care system and dealing with young children in foster care.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005968
- Subject Headings
- Children--Institutional care, Phenomenology, Early childhood teachers
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Writing, elementary teachers, and English language learners: a case study of teacher reported pedagogical knowledge and collaborative inquiry in a title 1 school.
- Creator
- East, Jill A., Burnaford, Gail, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
This qualitative case study was conducted to investigated whether selected 3rd-5th teachers in a Title 1 school increased their understanding as they described and used their pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in writing aligned with the Common Core Anchor Standards 1-6. It also examined how the teachers collaborated to advance their knowledge in the area of ELs in the classroom. Qualitative data were collected in the form of 15 participant interviews and 15 Learning Team Meeting (LTM)...
Show moreThis qualitative case study was conducted to investigated whether selected 3rd-5th teachers in a Title 1 school increased their understanding as they described and used their pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in writing aligned with the Common Core Anchor Standards 1-6. It also examined how the teachers collaborated to advance their knowledge in the area of ELs in the classroom. Qualitative data were collected in the form of 15 participant interviews and 15 Learning Team Meeting (LTM) observations. The data from the interviews and observations were used to investigate how participants implemented the Common Core Anchor Standards (CCAS) 1-6 in their classrooms. The data also sought to examine how the participants’ collaboration in LTMs contributed to the selected 3rd-5th grade teachers’ PCK with respect to CCAS 1-6 and support for their English language learners (EL). The findings indicated that participants recognized various EL instructional strategies embedded in the subject matter of writing. Further, the data indicated that the dual language participants collaborated as an effective means for delivering various EL instructional strategies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004441, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004441
- Subject Headings
- Early childhood education -- Philosophy, English language -- Composition and exercises -- Study and teaching (Elementary), English language -- Study and teaching as a second language, Inquiry based learning, Language arts (Elementary), Language experience approach in education, Pedagogical content knowledge, Second language acquisition
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Beliefs of Advanced Placement Teachers Regarding Equity and Access to Advanced Placement Courses: A Mixed-Methods Study.
- Creator
- Igualada, Mirynne, Schoorman, Dilys, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
This mixed methods study of teachers' beliefs about Advanced Placement (AP) equity and access policies occurred in Sunshine County School District, a large south Florida school district that had received accolades for leading the nation in access and equity in AP. Drawing on social reconstructionism, this study framed AP as an acceleration mechanism with the potential to increase students' prospects for social advancement. These policies have resulted in a more diverse classroom experience...
Show moreThis mixed methods study of teachers' beliefs about Advanced Placement (AP) equity and access policies occurred in Sunshine County School District, a large south Florida school district that had received accolades for leading the nation in access and equity in AP. Drawing on social reconstructionism, this study framed AP as an acceleration mechanism with the potential to increase students' prospects for social advancement. These policies have resulted in a more diverse classroom experience through nontraditional student participation in AP courses. The purpose of this embedded case study was to examine the relationship between beliefs held by AP teachers in regard to the implementation of equity and access policies, as well as to what extent these beliefs may support or hinder the execution of such policies and procedures. The study occurred in three phases and consisted of document analysis, a survey and interviews. Surveys collected from 176 AP teachers in the district yielded quantitative data on AP teachers' beliefs regarding equity and access and the subsequent implementation of equity and access policies. Qualitative data regarding beliefs surrounding equity and access policies and the potential challenges these policies may pose were collected through open-ended survey questions, document analysis, and interviews with eight teachers at two selected high schools representing the highest and the lowest access rates to AP in the district. The findings indicated that AP teachers support equity and access policies in AP. Despite these beliefs, there is evidence that such policies are not consistently implemented across schools and particularly in STEM-related content areas. The analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data led to the conclusion that the historic tension between elitism and equity that surrounds the AP program currently is fueled primarily through state accountability measures. Implications and suggestions for future research are related to policy changes regarding the revision of the state of Florida grading system and district-level procedural changes in relation to the design of school-based professional development and development of clear AP pathways that support access among underrepresented students.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004506, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004506
- Subject Headings
- Academic achievement -- Florida, Advanced placement programs (Education), Critical pedagogy, Discrimination in education, Expectation (Psychology), High schools -- Curricula, Prediction of scholastic success
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Effectiveness Of The National Board Certification As It Relates To The Advanced Placement Calculus AB Exam.
- Creator
- Antunez, Fernando Oscar, Furner, Joseph M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
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This study compared data related to National Board Certification (NBC) of mathematics teachers in a South Florida school district. Data included 1,162 student scores on the 2014 AP Calculus AB exam, student gender, student grade level, and eligibility for free or reduced price lunch (FRL) status. Teachers completed the Standards' Beliefs Instrument (SBI) (Zollman & Mason, 1992) to determine alignment of their beliefs with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards....
Show moreThis study compared data related to National Board Certification (NBC) of mathematics teachers in a South Florida school district. Data included 1,162 student scores on the 2014 AP Calculus AB exam, student gender, student grade level, and eligibility for free or reduced price lunch (FRL) status. Teachers completed the Standards' Beliefs Instrument (SBI) (Zollman & Mason, 1992) to determine alignment of their beliefs with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Interviews were conducted with five NBC mathematics teachers to understand how they incorporate best mathematics teaching practices in their daily instruction. A t-test analysis revealed that students taught by NBC teachers scored significantly higher (M = 3.70) on the AP Calculus AB Exam than those taught by non-NBCTs (M = 2.74); Cohen's d (.6429) indicated a moderately large effect size. No causation is to be implied; various confounding factors may also contribute to the variance in student scores. Three factorial ANOVA tests were performed to test interaction effects. Two significant interaction effects were detected: (1) NBCT status and student grade level; and (2) NBCT status and student FRL (free and reduced price lunch) status. No significant interaction was found between NBCT status and student gender. With a reliability estimate using Cronbach's alpha, a second t-test was conducted. A statistically significant difference was found regarding the mean scores of NBCTs and non-NBCTs regarding their beliefs according to the vision of the NCTM. NBCTs generally have practices that align more with the NCTM mathematics teaching standards. Interviews with five NBC teachers of AP Calculus provided rich qualitative descriptions of their teaching philosophies, approaches, and best practices contributing to student success. The results of this study reinforce evidence from previous research that the process of obtaining the NBC contributes to a teacher's professional expertise and is related to student success; however, since there may be other confounding factors related to teachers, students, and their schools, the NBC cannot be considered the sole factor contributing to student success in AP coursework and exams.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004477, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004477
- Subject Headings
- Achievement in education -- Florida, Advanced placement programs (Education), Calculus -- Examinations, questions, etc, Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (U.S.), Teacher effectiveness -- Florida, Teachers -- Certification -- Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Instructor Self-Efficacy Among Online Adjunct Faculty in Higher Education.
- Creator
- Wojcik, Jillian, Weber, Roberta K., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Given the increased reliance on adjunct faculty and the increased demand for online courses, the online adjunct faculty member is an important figure to know and understand. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of research on this population, particularly in terms of how their feelings of connection to their colleagues, administration, and their institution affects their beliefs about their online teaching abilities. This non-experimental correlational study investigated the relationship between...
Show moreGiven the increased reliance on adjunct faculty and the increased demand for online courses, the online adjunct faculty member is an important figure to know and understand. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of research on this population, particularly in terms of how their feelings of connection to their colleagues, administration, and their institution affects their beliefs about their online teaching abilities. This non-experimental correlational study investigated the relationship between sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy among online adjunct faculty in higher education. Additionally, this study sought to determine if there is a predictive element between these two variables. This study utilized the Organizational Sense of Belonging (OSB) subscale and the Sense of Efficacy for Online Teaching Scale (SEOTS) as well as demographic questions in order to collect data on the study variables. Questionnaires were distributed to online adjunct faculty members from six higher education institutions within the states of Florida, Virginia, and Nevada. A total of 122 online adjunct faculty members completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, ANOVA, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, and regression analysis. Results indicated that sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy share a significant linear relationship. Additionally, a stronger sense of belonging and a higher instructional self-efficacy were found among participants who participate in universitysponsored faculty development opportunities, who participate in non-academic university events, and who communicate with other online adjunct faculty members through social media. Furthermore, sense of belonging was found to be a significant predictor of selfefficacy, both when controlling for significant variables and when not controlling for variables. Further research is needed to determine causality between sense of belonging and instructor self-efficacy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004970, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004960
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The Impact of “Real World” Experiences through Academic Service Learning on Students’ Success Rate, Attitudes, and Motivation in Intermediate Algebra at a Public University.
- Creator
- Toussaint, Mario J., Furner, Joseph M., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
A report issued in 2012 by the United States Government Accountability Office (US Government Accountability Office, 2012) concluded that the United States is not producing enough graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to meet the demands of its economy. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2001), fewer than fifty percent of students nationally possess a solid command of mathematical content. This study tested whether the insertion of...
Show moreA report issued in 2012 by the United States Government Accountability Office (US Government Accountability Office, 2012) concluded that the United States is not producing enough graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to meet the demands of its economy. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2001), fewer than fifty percent of students nationally possess a solid command of mathematical content. This study tested whether the insertion of Academic Service Learning (ASL) into intermediate algebra courses improved students’ performance, their motivation to learn the subject, and attitudes towards mathematics learning. ASL is an educational strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities (Duffy, Barrington, West, Heredia, & Barry, 2011). The subjects in this study were thirty-four students enrolled in intermediate algebra at a large public university in southeast Florida. The participant group consisted of fifteen students who completed the requirements of the ASL program and the comparison group consisted of nineteen students who initially showed interest in the program but dropped out of the study early in the semester. Through a mixed method analysis, the study found that the proportion of students who passed the course in the ASL group was greater than the proportion of students in the non-ASL group. Similarly, the mean final course grade in the ASL group was higher than the mean final course grade in the non-ASL group. The results of the qualitative analyses showed that all the participants enjoyed the ASL experience. In addition, some participants felt that the ASL project raised their motivation to learn mathematics and increased their competence in mathematics. However, both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that the students’ participation in the ASL project did not affect their attitudes towards mathematics learning. The study concluded that Academic Service Learning has the potential to help improve students’ success rates in developmental mathematics courses as well as increase their motivation to learn the subject.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004739, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004739
- Subject Headings
- Action research in education., Service learning., Universities and colleges--Public services., Teacher-student relationships., Algebra--Study and teaching (Higher), Educational technology--Evaluation., Motivation in education., Academic achievement.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- UNDERSTANDING THE BANNING OF THE TUCSON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT’S MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES PROGRAM FROM AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION NATIONWIDE.
- Creator
- Hector, Julie E., Schoorman, Dilys, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
Drawing on historical case study methodology informed by critical perspectives of education, this study examines the decision by Tucson United School District (TUSD) to ban its nationally recognized Mexican American Studies (MAS) program in 2012. Framing public education as a site of contestation for equality and democratization, the ban is examined within a five-phase historical context of the struggles of Chicanos for equity in the USA. The research questions address the dismantling of the...
Show moreDrawing on historical case study methodology informed by critical perspectives of education, this study examines the decision by Tucson United School District (TUSD) to ban its nationally recognized Mexican American Studies (MAS) program in 2012. Framing public education as a site of contestation for equality and democratization, the ban is examined within a five-phase historical context of the struggles of Chicanos for equity in the USA. The research questions address the dismantling of the program in terms of the ongoing historical disparities between the education of Chicanos and Anglo Americans in Tucson, diverse stakeholders’ perspectives on equality and inequality in the decision making, and the response of stakeholders who supported the program to the attempts to dismantle it. The theoretical framework of this study intersects Critical Race Theory and its corollary Latino Critical Theory, Critical Multicultural Pedagogy that centers Critical Pedagogy and Historical Discourse Analysis that focuses attention to the use of power in educational decision making. The interview data from nine study participants who were closely affiliated with the MAS program and selected historical documents and archival data were analyzed to uncover Anglo and Chicano perspectives on education for Mexican Americans in Tucson. The analysis revealed that the differences between Chicano and Anglo perspectives on equity and the role of education in facilitating equality for Chicanos laid the groundwork for the conceptualization of the MAS program by its supporters, and the rationale for its banning by its opponents. The interview data revealed that all participants contextualized their work in the MAS within the history of struggle for Chicano education, they represented a cohesive “Dream Team” committed to implementing a program grounded in critical and culturally relevant pedagogies, and that initial marginalization provided them the space for unimpeded development of the program. Participants’ responses further revealed evidence of the deep psychological toll, intellectual energy demands, and civic engagement required of MAS supporters in the face of this particular episode in the ongoing history of the struggle for Chicano educational equity. The implications for critical multicultural education programs operating within culturally hegemonic policy and social contexts are examined.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013796
- Subject Headings
- Mexican American studies, Educational equalization, Multicultural education
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- USING CULTURALLY SUSTAINING SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS-INFORMED LESSONS TO SUPPORT EMERGENT BILINGUAL STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC LANGUAGING.
- Creator
- Cavallaro, Christina Joan, Sembiante, Sabrina F., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry, College of Education
- Abstract/Description
-
Emergent bilingual (EB) students enter classrooms with rich, diverse language repertoires. Too often, students’ linguistic assets are not meaningfully integrated to foster or support opportunities of academic languaging in which students can engage their full range of semiotic resources. This is particularly problematic in middle school during which literacy demands increase, academic genres need to be reproduced rather than solely comprehended, and explicit literacy instruction typically...
Show moreEmergent bilingual (EB) students enter classrooms with rich, diverse language repertoires. Too often, students’ linguistic assets are not meaningfully integrated to foster or support opportunities of academic languaging in which students can engage their full range of semiotic resources. This is particularly problematic in middle school during which literacy demands increase, academic genres need to be reproduced rather than solely comprehended, and explicit literacy instruction typically decreases (Humphrey, 2017; Rose, 2010). Through a design-based research (DBR) approach, this study showcases how Culturally Sustaining Systemic Functional Linguistics (CSSFL), a theoretical and pedagogical approach, can support middle school students’ engagement in explicit and equitable literacy practices within the unique context of an intensive reading English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classroom. Throughout the DBR phases, qualitative data from observations, student artifacts, lesson plans, and researcher notes were collected and analyzed to address the following research questions: (RQ1) What are the cultural, linguistic, and literacy practices of EB students within a culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) intensive reading middle school classroom? (RQ2) What do CSSFL-informed lessons comprise when created in response to the EB middle school students’ needs and practices through a DBR approach? (RQ3) How do the students engage in the practices of the CSSFL-informed lessons? Designing, implementing, and evaluating the CSSFL-informed lessons demonstrated how the use of multimodal resources eased students’ hesitancy and facilitated meaning-making opportunities, how students used translanguaging for multiple purposes, and how students became conscientious about language use while establishing connections to their existing linguistic knowledge. Results of this study offer insights into how theory-practice bridges can be established in middle school classrooms to develop spaces where students have opportunities to expand on their cultural and linguistic assets as they understand, manipulate, and remix for academic purposes (Harman & Khote, 2018). Moreover, the findings illuminate the feasibility of implementing culturally sustaining, language focused practices that can push boundaries of restrictive curricular structures while forefronting students’ language backgrounds in their learning.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013602
- Subject Headings
- Education, Bilingual, Functional linguistics, English for Speakers of Other Languages Program
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Understanding how national board certified secondary mathematics teachers integrate academic and social knowledge of students into their practice.
- Creator
- Cook, Karen, Burnaford, Gail, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
This qualitative case study investigated how six National Board Certified secondary mathematics teachers integrate knowledge of students into their practice to create socio- academic spaces for learning. Individual audiotaped interviews were utilized to generate data about what knowledge these teachers had of their students, how they gathered this knowledge, and how this knowledge of students influenced their decisions related to curriculum and instruction. The data were used to form an...
Show moreThis qualitative case study investigated how six National Board Certified secondary mathematics teachers integrate knowledge of students into their practice to create socio- academic spaces for learning. Individual audiotaped interviews were utilized to generate data about what knowledge these teachers had of their students, how they gathered this knowledge, and how this knowledge of students influenced their decisions related to curriculum and instruction. The data were used to form an understanding of the nature and function of the socio- academic spaces that teachers create in planning for and delivering instruction. The study revealed that as teachers interact independently with the curriculum, they create spaces for analysis and reflection. In addition, as they interact with their students around the curriculum, they create spaces for their students to practice, to make connections, to communicate, and to apply and experience math.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004357, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004357
- Subject Headings
- Classroom environment, Curriculum planning, Education, Secondary, Educational psychology, Educational sociology, Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (U.S.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Transitions Into Instructorship As Seen Through the Eyes of Experienced Accelerated Freefall Training Skydiving Experienced Accelerated Freefall Training Skydiving Instructors.
- Creator
- Scaglione, Brett, Vaughan, Michelle, Baxley, Traci, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of skydiving instructors who have shaped the instructional practices of experienced and active accelerated freefall instructors (AFFIs) in Central and Southern Florida. By contributing to the training curriculum, this research attempted to close the experiential gap between novice and senior instructors in a more efficient manner. Due to the complex nature of teaching skydiving and an absence of an opportunity for a skydiving...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to understand the lived experiences of skydiving instructors who have shaped the instructional practices of experienced and active accelerated freefall instructors (AFFIs) in Central and Southern Florida. By contributing to the training curriculum, this research attempted to close the experiential gap between novice and senior instructors in a more efficient manner. Due to the complex nature of teaching skydiving and an absence of an opportunity for a skydiving instructor in training to work in freefall with non-certified skydivers, understanding the lived experiences of active AFFIs is of critical importance. This study aimed to answer the following research questions: (a) How do active accelerated freefall training instructors personalize the lessons learned in the AFFI instructor training course, forming their own best practices and instructional style? and (b) What roles do lived skydiving experiences, both significant and critical, play in the development of an active AFFI’s current instructional style and best practices? Sites selected included five dropzones located in Central and Southern Florida, with three of those sites yielding a total of 10 participants. Data were collected regarding basic demographic information as well as about the lived experiences of the active AFFIs through both structured and semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Interviews were conducted either in-person or over the phone based on the preference of the participants. Data analysis took place in three phases: separation of qualitative and quantitative data, open coding, and axial coding following Merriam’s (2009) process of coding. Findings revealed an understanding that accelerated freefall (AFF) instruction has become rooted within the culture and experiences of the skydiving community through the stance “license to learn.” This stance has led to the emergence of an educational model outlining the roles culture and experience play not only in the development of the active AFFIs, but also how those lessons are passed on to the next generation of AFFIs. Findings in this research will play a significant role in the development of future curricular adjustments, highlighting the importance of this stance while also providing a solid foundation for future inquiry.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013259
- Subject Headings
- Skydiving, Parachuting--Safety regulations--United States, Instructors, Experiential learning
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Investigating Approaches to Media Literacy: An Analysis of Media Literacy Organizations.
- Creator
- Francis, Michael, Hyslop-Margison, Emery, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Media literacy is a competency needed for success in the 21st century yet a clear purpose does not exist that is useful in curriculum design. The purpose of this study was to investigate a combined (eclectic) approach to media literacy education according to selected international media literacy organizations. Determining an eclectic approach from subject area experts will be useful in designing and integrating media literacy curriculum. Methodologically, this study was a qualitative content...
Show moreMedia literacy is a competency needed for success in the 21st century yet a clear purpose does not exist that is useful in curriculum design. The purpose of this study was to investigate a combined (eclectic) approach to media literacy education according to selected international media literacy organizations. Determining an eclectic approach from subject area experts will be useful in designing and integrating media literacy curriculum. Methodologically, this study was a qualitative content analysis and is thematic in nature using a constant comparative method of analysis. Supporting frameworks were established through standards based curriculum development and Schwab’s (1969, 1971, 1973, 1983) ideas of practical deliberation. Purposive heterogeneous sampling was utilized in identifying media literacy organizations from countries considered leaders in media education. This included organizations from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The primary approaches throughout all identified countries include an arts, critical, literacy, protectionist, and tool approach to media literacy. Through the process of curriculum deliberation, it is necessary to reconcile these approaches into one eclectic approach. Although individual subject areas may focus on one approach, it is important to consider all approaches equally during curriculum deliberation. In comparing an eclectic approach to Florida language arts standards (modeled after the Common Core State Standards), it was discovered that an eclectic approach to media literacy is not present. These standards focus almost exclusively on a literacy approach despite state statue requiring the full integration of media literacy. Language arts standards also remain focused on print media despite acknowledging that students should be prepared for success in the 21st century. This is a media saturated world and every subject should implement media literacy principles and approaches that prepare students to succeed in it.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004592, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004592
- Subject Headings
- Mass media in education., Media literacy--Curricula., Visual learning., Information technology--Management., Mobile communication systems in education., Creative thinking--Study and teaching.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Responding to the Florida Teacher Standards for the English as a Second Language Endorsement: A Study of Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions.
- Creator
- Shamon, Cheryl, Zainuddin, Hanizah, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum, Culture, and Educational Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
The purpose of this study was to examine preservice teachers' (PSTs) perceptions regarding their knowledge of the English as a Second Language (ESOL) domains as suggested in the Florida Teacher Standards for English as a Second Language Endorsement (FTSEE), their beliefs regarding the types of assessments and assignments that provided them with the best method of understanding the ESOL domains, and other factors they perceived as influencing their understanding. This mixed methods study...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine preservice teachers' (PSTs) perceptions regarding their knowledge of the English as a Second Language (ESOL) domains as suggested in the Florida Teacher Standards for English as a Second Language Endorsement (FTSEE), their beliefs regarding the types of assessments and assignments that provided them with the best method of understanding the ESOL domains, and other factors they perceived as influencing their understanding. This mixed methods study collected both quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) data. Study participants were elementary education majors enrolled in an ESOL infused program model. Findings from the study indicated that PSTs had an overall understanding of the ESOL domains and were prepared to incorporate a wide variety of instructional strategies and methods into their lesson plans. While culturally competent, they had not yet developed the understanding of how to take an advocacy approach to empower their students in both the school and community. While some PSTs demonstrated a basic understanding of the components of oral language and literacy development in ELLs, many had not yet obtained an in-depth understanding of the specific language thresholds at each language proficiency level nor understanding of the grammatical and linguistic complexities of spoken and written English. These findings imply that further development is needed so that PSTs are better prepared in the following competencies: the ability to write language objectives across the content areas based on the output of oral and written language; the ability to select the appropriate instructional strategies, curriculum, and materials based on language proficiency levels; and the ability to interpret and make informed decisions based on ELLs' assessment results. PSTs valued assignments and activities that allowed them to integrate their own knowledge base into scenarios that might actually occur when they become teachers, or reflected scenarios encountered in teaching situations. They valued opportunities to observe and work with ELLs in the field and desired more opportunities to work with a larger variety of language proficiency levels and ages. Outside influences such as jobs, own school experiences, knowledge of another language, and societal interactions also contributed to their ESOL knowledge.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004546, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004546
- Subject Headings
- Education, Bilingual -- Standards, Effective teaching, Language and languages -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Foreign speakers, Language teachers, Training of, Prediction of teacher success, Second language acquisition -- Standards
- Format
- Document (PDF)