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This study explores the impact of "teacher thinking" exercises in the Composition Practicum as a means of instilling a clearer sense of professional development in graduate instructors. Teacher thinking is a teacher training method that asks the novice instructor to see from the perspective of learners within their writing classrooms. Scholarship on writing teacher preparation programs suggests that English educators regularly employ teacher thinking exercises in the training of secondary school teachers. Teacher thinking has allowed many English education majors to conceptualize and obtain teaching identities by helping them to envision the intricate layers of teaching earlier in their careers. But can teacher thinking exercises have the same effect on graduate instructors in the Composition Practicum? Using the two main writing teacher preparation courses at Brigham Young University (BYU) for graduate instructors and English education majors, English 610 and English 423, I analyze the evidence of teacher thinking in each program and address the possible implications these findings could hold for the Composition Practicum course. Through my comparison of these courses, I determine if conversations between English educators and the Composition Practicum could be beneficial in helping graduate instructors to grow professionally as teachers as they learn to think like teachers in the Composition Practicum. I examine, analyze, and compare syllabi, surveys, and interview response from graduate instructors, English education majors, and the teachers of both courses to identify the types of teaching thinking students are exposed to in each course. Structuring my discussion around the teacher thinking theories of teacher educators, Forrest Parkay and Beverly Stanford, George Hillocks, and Alicia Crowe and Amanda Berry, I identify three types of knowledge that graduate instructors and English education majors gained or lacked in each program. These three types of knowledge are knowledge of self, knowledge of students, and knowledge of educational theory. Through this discussion, I explore what it means to think like a composition teacher and how learning to "teacher think" may help graduate instructors, nationally, to understand what it means to "simply be a composition teacher".

This study reports the development of an instrument intended to measure mathematics teachers' knowledge of Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI). CGI is a mathematics professional development framework based on how students think about and solve problems and how that knowledge guides instruction for developing mathematical understanding. The purpose of this study was to (a) analyze and revise the original CGI Teacher Knowledge Assessment (CGI TKA), (b) administer the revised CGI TKA, and (c) analyze the results from the revised CGI TKA. As part of the revision of the original CGI TKA, distractor analysis identified distractors that could be improved. Experts in CGI content were interviewed to identify ways in which the content of the CGI TKA could be improved, and some new items were created based on their feedback. Formatting changes were also made to administer the assessment electronically.After the original CGI TKA was revised, the revised CGI TKA was administered to teachers who had been trained in CGI. Two hundred thirteen examinees completed the revised CGI TKA and the results were analyzed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed 21 of the items loaded adequately onto one factor, considered to be overall knowledge of CGI. The Rasch model was used to estimate item difficulty and person abilities as well as to compare models using dichotomous and partial credit scoring. Advantages and disadvantages of using partial credit scoring as compared to dichotomous scoring are discussed. Except under special circumstances, the dichotomous scoring produced better fitting models and more reliable scores than the partial credit scoring. The reliability of the scores was estimated using Raykov's rho coefficient. Overall, the revised CGI TKA appears to validly and reliably measure teachers' CGI knowledge.

No description available.

Underachievement in Mathematics hangs over South African Mathematics learners like a dark cloud. TIMSS studies over the past decade have confirmed that South African learners‟ results (Grades 8 and 9 in 2011) remained at a low ebb, denying them the opportunity to compete and excel globally in the field of Mathematics. It is against this backdrop that the researcher investigated the meaningful understanding of the important yet challenging algebraic concept of Proportion. The theoretical as well as the empirical underpinnings of the fundamental idea of Proportion are highlighted. The meaningful learning of Algebra was explored and physical, effective and cognitive factors affecting meaningful learning of Algebra, views on Mathematics and learning theories were examined. The research narrowed down to the meaningful understanding of Proportion, misconceptions, and facilitation in developing Proportional reasoning. This study was embedded in an interpretive paradigm and the research design was qualitative in nature. The qualitative data was collected via task sheets and interviews. The sample informing the central phenomenon in the study consisted of a heterogeneous group of learners and comprised a kaleidoscope of nationalities, both genders, a variety of home languages, differing socio-economic statuses and varying cognitive abilities. The findings cannot be generalised. Triangulation of the literature review, the analysis of task sheets and interviews revealed that overall the participants have a meaningful understanding of the Proportion concept. However, a variety of misconceptions were observed in certain cases. Finally, recommendations are made to address the meaningful learning of Proportion and its associated misconceptions. It is hoped that teachers read and act on the recommendations as it is the powerful mind and purposeful teaching of the teacher that can make a difference in uplifting the standard of Mathematics in South African classrooms! / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Underachievement in Mathematics hangs over South African Mathematics learners like a dark cloud. TIMSS studies over the past decade have confirmed that South African learners‟ results (Grades 8 and 9 in 2011) remained at a low ebb, denying them the opportunity to compete and excel globally in the field of Mathematics. It is against this backdrop that the researcher investigated the meaningful understanding of the important yet challenging algebraic concept of Proportion. The theoretical as well as the empirical underpinnings of the fundamental idea of Proportion are highlighted. The meaningful learning of Algebra was explored and physical, effective and cognitive factors affecting meaningful learning of Algebra, views on Mathematics and learning theories were examined. The research narrowed down to the meaningful understanding of Proportion, misconceptions, and facilitation in developing Proportional reasoning. This study was embedded in an interpretive paradigm and the research design was qualitative in nature. The qualitative data was collected via task sheets and interviews. The sample informing the central phenomenon in the study consisted of a heterogeneous group of learners and comprised a kaleidoscope of nationalities, both genders, a variety of home languages, differing socio-economic statuses and varying cognitive abilities. The findings cannot be generalised. Triangulation of the literature review, the analysis of task sheets and interviews revealed that overall the participants have a meaningful understanding of the Proportion concept. However, a variety of misconceptions were observed in certain cases. Finally, recommendations are made to address the meaningful learning of Proportion and its associated misconceptions. It is hoped that teachers read and act on the recommendations as it is the powerful mind and purposeful teaching of the teacher that can make a difference in uplifting the standard of Mathematics in South African classrooms! / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The study developed and designed a pedagogical content knowledge framework to guide and support the professional development of pedagogical content knowledge to about 130 statistics teachers. It captured the experiences of teachers during the development of pedagogical content knowledge, to come up with the main themes that describe pedagogical content knowledge as the relevant knowledge for teaching Grade 11 and 12 statistics. The study was overall qualitative in nature and supported by some quantitative data. Questionnaires, in-class facilitated tasks/activities, in-class facilitated discussions and observations were used as the main data collection instruments. This process revealed some significant themes, described as “missed opportunities”, which were defined as incidents in which pedagogical content knowledge was needed but not used. The thesis contributes to the theoretical and knowledge base of secondary school statistics teachers in the education system by providing measures that can be used to determine professional development needs of teachers. / Mathematics Education / D. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a serious disorder that effects approximately 5% of South African children. Teachers are seen as one of the most valuable sources of information with regard to referral and diagnosis of ADHD. They also have the responsibility for creating an environment conducive to academic, social and emotional success for children with ADHD. However as there is some doubt as to whether teachers have the appropriate knowledge of ADHD to fulfil this important role, this study aimed at assessing the knowledge and misperceptions of ADHD of primary school teachers in towns on the periphery of the Cape Town Metropole.

O objetivo desta dissertação é compreender de que maneira o olhar do formador influencia nas práticas e contribui para as aprendizagens de professores de inglês dentro de um contexto de formação em que o diálogo entre esses agentes é parte das premissas do programa de formação. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, de natureza descritiva e exploratória (COHEN, MANION, 2002). Utiliza-se dos procedimentos delineados pela metodologia de análise de conteúdo (MORAES, 1999) para encontrar e compreender as mudanças e permanências de ações dos professores após a participação em Oficinas de Formação e durante as sessões de Acompanhamento (Feedback). Apoia-se, principalmente, nos conceitos de desenvolvimento profissional (OLIVEIRA-FORMOSINHO, 2009), nos saberes docentes (TARDIF, 2012) e nos modelos de formação de professores com perspectiva crítico-reflexiva (NUNES e NUNES, 2013). Reflete sobre a formação inicial do professor de inglês e a valorização das línguas estrangeiras nas escolas públicas brasileiras (FERRO,1998; DINIZ-PEREIRA, 1999; LEFFA, 2001; PAIVA, 1997, 2003; BUSNARDI e FERNANDES, 2010) e consequentemente sobre os desafios para a formação contínua de professores de inglês para crianças (ROCHA, 2007; IALAOGA e DURAN, 2008; SEGANFREDO e BENEDETTTI, 2009). Conclui que um olhar que integra os conhecimentos dos agentes da formação (professor e formador) aos conhecimentos da formação promove mais aprendizagens, contudo, não é determinante, há mais o que se considerar. Finalmente, aponta para a necessidade de valorização dos saberes da prática e das concepções de ensino-aprendizagem, não só dos saberes disciplinares, para a criação de programas de formação de formadores. / This dissertation aims to understand how the vision of the education influences and contributes to teacher development in a context where dialogue between them is part of the premise of the teacher educator program. It is a qualitative research of exploratory and descriptive nature (COHEN, MANION, 2002). It relies on procedures from content analysis (MORAES, 1999) to search and comprehend changes or stagnation of teachers action after the course of workshops and during feedback meetings. The text is mainly grounded in the concepts of professional development (OLIVEIRA-FORMOSINHO, 2009) and teacher knowledge (TARDIF, 2012) as well as model for teacher development based on a critical-reflective perspective (NUNES e NUNES, 2013). It discusses under-graduation courses for English teachers and the value or not - of foreign languages in Brazilian public schools (FERRO, 1998; DINIZ-PEREIRA, 1999; LEFFA, 2001; PAIVA, 1997, 2003; BUSNARDI e FERNANDES, 2010); therefore, it brings out the challenges for English teachers when they attend in-service courses for teaching children (ROCHA, 2007; IALAOGA e DURAN, 2008; SEGANFREDO e BENEDETTTI, 2009). It concludes that if the trainer looks at the teacher and his/her knowledge in an integrative way, the teacher is more likely to gain new knowledge. However, the look is not determining, there is more to it. Finally, this dissertation suggests the need to value not only teacher educators academic knowledge, but experience and learning and teaching concepts as principles for being a teacher educator, among other criteria.

Submitted by LARISSA VIANA (larissaviana@id.uff.br) on 2017-08-31T17:47:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 A história local e suas abordagens na sala de aula da rede municipal de educação de Nova Friburgo.pdf: 1008119 bytes, checksum: 16501e171cb6e64a6505e7b2f5ab0303 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jussara Moore (jussaramoore@id.uff.br) on 2017-09-22T13:02:43Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 A história local e suas abordagens na sala de aula da rede municipal de educação de Nova Friburgo.pdf: 1008119 bytes, checksum: 16501e171cb6e64a6505e7b2f5ab0303 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-22T13:02:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 A história local e suas abordagens na sala de aula da rede municipal de educação de Nova Friburgo.pdf: 1008119 bytes, checksum: 16501e171cb6e64a6505e7b2f5ab0303 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O presente trabalho foca no impacto das pesquisas sobre a formação histórica de Nova Friburgo, realizadas pelos historiadores vinculados à Faculdade de Filosofia Santa Dorotéia, no trabalho com o segundo segmento do ensino fundamental da rede municipal de educação. Tal investigação buscará, através dos relatos de três professoras regentes da rede municipal de ensino, as suas abordagens em sala de aula sobre a história local. A nossa análise terá como fundamento teórico a articulação entre os conceitos de saber acadêmico, saber docente e saber escolar, além de tratar das condições de trabalho dos professores, sob uma perspectiva de “proletarização” da carreira docente, como obstáculo a um suposto ideal do professor prático reflexivo. E, ainda, apresenta como produto didático-pedagógico, uma proposta de trabalho da história local como metodologia da disciplina, através de um Guia de Estudo do Local da área central da cidade, tendo como cenário a Praça Getúlio Vargas, sob o viés das memórias silenciadas e da circularidade entre a atividade humana e a paisagem / This work focuses on the impact of the research on the historical formation of Nova Friburgo, conducted by historians linked to the Faculty of Philosophy Saint Dorothy, in working with the second segment of elementary school in the municipal education network. This research will seek, through the reports of three regent’s teachers of municipal schools, their approaches in the classroom about the local history. Our analysis will have as theoretical support the concepts of academic knowledge, teaching knowledge and school knowledge, and deal with the working conditions of teachers, from a perspective of "proletarianization" of the teaching profession, as an obstacle to the ideal of reflective practical teacher. And yet, it has the didactic and pedagogical product, a work proposal of local history as a method of discipline, through a Local Study Guide from the central area of the city, against the backdrop of the square Getúlio Vargas, under bias of the silenced and circularity memories between human activity and the landscape.