The purpose of this study was to explore Teachers¡¦ Acceptance of Innovation (TAI), Curriculum Content (CC) of Alternative Learning Periods (ALP), and Curriculum Implementation (CI) of ALP in elementary schools. The independent variables were analyzed to investigate if there were any significant differences among TAI, CC and CI. Furthermore, the predictability of TAI about CI was also discussed. Analytic approach of the content and questionnaire survey were conducted. ¡§Analytic Table of the Curriculum Content of ALP¡¨ originating with the researcher was adopted to analyze the curriculum content of ALP in elementary schools in Kaohsiung City. The population was the elementary school teachers in Kaohsiung City, including 513 teachers from 87 schools. There were 452 valid samples among 88% returned questionnaires. The instrument was ¡§The Questionnaire of Teachers¡¦ Acceptance of Innovation, Curriculum Content and Curriculum Implementation of Alternative Learning Periods in elementary schools in Kaohsiung City¡¨. The collected data were analyzed by statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, multiple responses, Chi Square, Independent T-test, one-way ANOVA, and simple Multiple-Regression. The main findings were: 1.The promotion of TAI was needed. 2.The curriculum content of ALP showed: (1)The scheming of ALP met the regulations of ALP, both weekly and semiannual teaching hours in most grades. (2)There were differences between the practical curriculum and the curriculum that teachers expected first. (3)The most popular school-based curriculum in ALP was reading. (4)Students¡¦ characters, needs, and interests were prior to other factors when the curriculum in ALP was schemed out. (5)Teachers adopted multiple manners in applying ALP teaching methods, finding teaching resources, and assessing students. (6)The most helpful way for students was self-expression and communication and sharing. 3.The curriculum implementation of ALP showed: (1)Teachers held positive attitudes towards the curriculum implementation of ALP. (2)Teachers responded positively towards curriculum comprehension and implementation. (3)Teachers were willing to involve the teaching in ALP, and they could exchange as well as share their experience with others. (4)The environment and the leaders of organizations could provide support promptly. The educational authority should offer more flexible space for teachers to scheme and implement ALP curriculum. 4.There were significant differences of the acceptance of innovation because of the distinction of teachers¡¦ genders, the teaching years and the school scales. 5.There were apparent dissimilarities in the viewpoints towards how to scheme the curriculum of ALP among teachers from various grades. 6.There were significant differences in the opinions towards the implementation of ALP among teachers with various teaching years and from the schools with diverse scales. 7.TAI is predicable towards CI of ALP. Based on the findings of this study, some suggestions were offered to the educational applications and further studies.

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the possible role of alternative learning materials in the subject of English through an action research project in year nine, secondary school. The aim is to investigate the participating students’ engagement and comprehension of the texts used in the project. Some of the goals of the syllabus for English presuppose that pupils should be able to use various types of materials and sources of information in their learning. The goals also require a way of working characterised by variation and the use of different types of learning materials in English. In this particular study, data were collected continually during the process through questionnaires, observation notes and individual interviews with four pupils. A majority of the participants found working with the materials both engaging and enjoyable. Significant factors were mainly the varied nature of the texts, the presence of unfamiliar vocabulary and the texts’ relevance for the pupils. Regarding language development, the primary outcomes of the project were improvement of vocabulary as well as increased knowledge about various types of texts.

Homeschooling is currently the fastest-growing educational population in the United States with an estimated 2 million students. Because 11% of school children have been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there are likely to be many children with ADHD symptoms in the homeschooling population. The purpose of this study was to extend knowledge of the experiences of homeschooling in this population to assist students with ADHD as well as their parents and educators to make informed educational decisions. The multiple intelligences theory provided the theoretical framework for this phenomenological study. The key research question was focused on how current or former homeschool students who report ADHD symptoms describe their experiences in a homeschool environment. Perceptions were collected from 12 participants ranging in age from 12 to 21 years of age who were recruited using criterion sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by phone or face-to-face. Data were analyzed using Moustakas' modification of van Kaam's structure. Through this process, the themes of individualization, self-concept, and experience of symptoms were identified. Specifically, the findings indicated that homeschooling children with ADHD symptoms is an individualized phenomenon and most students thrive in a structured yet flexible environment where tools and methods can be personalized. Participants developed individualized learning practices that would not be acceptable in a more traditional learning environment. This study contributes to the empirical literature promoting social change by providing foundational knowledge that can be built upon in future research to offer evidence-based information to this rapidly-growing population.

Inclusion presents a task to school education: creating truly inclusive learning setting, the perseverance of segregated educational practices, and the contrary opinions of teachers and parents about the appropriateness of those educational settings. Outdoor education offers an alternative setting for learning. Experiential learning is the focus here. Studies show that outdoor learning can have a positive impact on learning. In addition, individual studies also illustrate positive effects on individual support needs. In contrast, this study explores teachers' experiences in inclusive outdoor education and does not focus on a single support need. Perceived benefits and challenges are analyzed and interpreted to form foundations for theory and practice for future inclusive outdoor education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. 8 interviews with 9 teachers from Denmark, Sweden and Ireland were conducted. A common understanding of the concepts of inclusion and outdoor education and therefore inclusive outdoor education has been found. Even though it is only a small sample of 9 teachers, it can be stated that the benefits mentioned outweigh the challenges: More and varied benefits are mentioned. Benefits could be found in the following areas: well-being, inclusion, learning and calming. Challenges were found in the areas of external circumstances, pedagogical challenges and challenges within the student. The findings of the study are partly in line with previous studies, but also complement them by the specialfocus on general inclusion.

This case study focused on the understandings of the administration and teaching staff with regard to the implementation and student academic growth of the B-L Upward program. The understandings were formed from data collected through structured, face-to-face interviews. The questioning of the staff members assisted in determining an understanding of the instructional model of the B-L Upward program. The experimental nature of the B-L Upward program allowed students, primarily those graduating from eighth grade and heading into high school, to choose an alternative to the traditional secondary learning environment. The current case study is an examination of the B-L Upward program through the interview process involving the administrative and teaching staff with regard to program implementation and student academic growth. Four members of the administrative staff directly responsible for the management of the B-L Upward program and eight members of the teaching staff currently employed at the school were interviewed regarding their understandings of the BLU program. The case study approach provides a detailed picture of the understandings of these staff members. Recommendations for practice and for the continuation of further research were included at the study’s conclusion.

This thesis presents concept maps as an alternative tool for learning of adult university students. The theoretical part explains the changes in the ability to learn of these adult students. The thesis presents basic information about concept maps and describes specific examples for their use by university students. I describe the advantages and disadvantages which bring them this information recording graphical tool. The empirical part combines all topics of the theoretical part. Qualitative research presents the subjective views of adult university students on changes in their ability to learn. They try to create concept map and then they give their subjective views on this tool and their previous experience with it.