The provision of authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom is one of the corner stones of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). This study investigated to what extent teachers provide authentic teaching and learning in their Mathematics classrooms. A literature study was undertaken to explain authentic teaching and learning. The use of teaching methods and strategies, learning activities, assessment methods and strategies, and the role of the teacher and learner in the context of authentic teaching and learning in the classroom were explored. The literature review provided the conceptual framework for the study; as well as the framework for designing questionnaires and an observation schedule. The questionnaires were utilized to obtain the perceptions of teachers and learners regarding opportunities provided by teachers for the provision of authentic teaching and learning experiences in the Mathematics classroom, and the observation schedule determined how and to what extent the principles of authentic teaching and learning were translated into practice. Data was collected by means of quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey research. The self-constructed questionnaires were administered to a convenient sample of a purposively selected group of Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 Intermediate Phase Mathematics teachers (n = 24) and learners (n = 440) in the Johannesburg South District of the Gauteng Department of Education. In addition to this, the classroom practices of six of the teachers who completed the questionnaire were observed over a period of six months. The triangulation of teacher and learner data revealed similarities and differences in opinion related to the opportunities that teachers create for authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom. In essence, the data revealed that teachers who took part in the study apparently understand the principles that underpin authentic teaching and learning, and to some extent comply with the principles of authentic teaching and learning in their classrooms. In addition to this, the triangulation of the teacher responses to the questionnaire and the observations of the classroom practices of the teachers indicated that in practice all the application of the principles of authentic teaching, learning and assessment have not yet fully become a reality in the Mathematics classroom. According to the learner responses, to the questionnaire, as well as the observations, it appeared that the application of teaching and assessment strategies that promote authentic teaching and learning are under-utilized by the teachers. This study is concluded with recommendations to teachers on how to create classroom climates that promote the provision of authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

The provision of authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom is one of the corner stones of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). This study investigated to what extent teachers provide authentic teaching and learning in their Mathematics classrooms. A literature study was undertaken to explain authentic teaching and learning. The use of teaching methods and strategies, learning activities, assessment methods and strategies, and the role of the teacher and learner in the context of authentic teaching and learning in the classroom were explored. The literature review provided the conceptual framework for the study; as well as the framework for designing questionnaires and an observation schedule. The questionnaires were utilized to obtain the perceptions of teachers and learners regarding opportunities provided by teachers for the provision of authentic teaching and learning experiences in the Mathematics classroom, and the observation schedule determined how and to what extent the principles of authentic teaching and learning were translated into practice. Data was collected by means of quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey research. The self-constructed questionnaires were administered to a convenient sample of a purposively selected group of Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 Intermediate Phase Mathematics teachers (n = 24) and learners (n = 440) in the Johannesburg South District of the Gauteng Department of Education. In addition to this, the classroom practices of six of the teachers who completed the questionnaire were observed over a period of six months. The triangulation of teacher and learner data revealed similarities and differences in opinion related to the opportunities that teachers create for authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom. In essence, the data revealed that teachers who took part in the study apparently understand the principles that underpin authentic teaching and learning, and to some extent comply with the principles of authentic teaching and learning in their classrooms. In addition to this, the triangulation of the teacher responses to the questionnaire and the observations of the classroom practices of the teachers indicated that in practice all the application of the principles of authentic teaching, learning and assessment have not yet fully become a reality in the Mathematics classroom. According to the learner responses, to the questionnaire, as well as the observations, it appeared that the application of teaching and assessment strategies that promote authentic teaching and learning are under-utilized by the teachers. This study is concluded with recommendations to teachers on how to create classroom climates that promote the provision of authentic teaching and learning in the Mathematics classroom. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

Thesis advisor: Michael G. Barnett / Elementary science instruction and teacher preparation need improvement for various reasons: 1) preservice teachers lack opportunities to experience (Windschitl, 2003) or observe (Smith, 1999) inquiry science, 2) pre-service teachers have even fewer opportunities to practice teaching science in a classroom settings (Hewson, Tabachnick, Zeichner, & Lemberger, 1999); and 3) methods courses and field experiences fail to provide proper scaffolding and support for science teaching (Crawford, 1999). One way to improve preservice teacher growth and understanding in teaching inquiry science is through supported field based teaching experiences (Eick, Ware, & Williams, 2003). However, research is necessary to examine how innovative field-based science methods courses compare to traditional, university-based science methods course. This mixed methods study compares the experiences of thirty-two preservice teachers with a specific focus on four preservice teachers involved in either a field-based science methods course or a university-based science methods course. It examines the impact of the two courses on preservice teachers' confidence in teaching science content and beliefs regarding the role of inquiry-based science instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse students. Data sources included a pre/post survey that was distributed to preservice teachers in both courses, with additional interviews and final unit reviews for each of the four preservice teacher case studies. Themes were identified and re-examined through an analysis of the data which informed the development of four case studies, two from each class, to investigate specific trends between the two methods courses. Findings indicate that both field- and university-based instruction have strengths and weaknesses. This research suggests that field-based methods have a stronger impact on improving preservice teachers' beliefs and skills in regard to designing inquiry-based instruction for diverse students, while university-based course promotes greater confidence in preservice teachers' ability to teach different science content areas. However, preservice teachers in both courses struggled to create inquiry-based science lessons where students used evidence to support claims or construct explanations. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Teacher Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction.

The purpose of this outcome-based program evaluation project study was to investigate how professional development (PD) influenced the shared values of 25 district teachers regarding instructional technology and their collaboration and instructional practices using instructional technology. Inclusion criteria included (a) participants had to be 18 years or older and (b) participants had to be a certified teacher. Guided by Mishra and Koehler's TPACK theory and Guskey's model for PD evaluation, the research was designed to determine (a) how teachers demonstrate collaboration using instructional technology as a result of PD, (b) what shared values teachers have adopted regarding instructional technology as a result of PD, and (c) how the authentic teaching practices of participants have changed because of the technology PD. Data were collected through Likert surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for the quantitative portion, and identification of emerging themes for the qualitative portion. The results reflected ways technology is being implemented into instructional strategies. The implication of this study for social change includes support for including collaboration and shared values in professional development to improve instructional strategies incorporating technology, which can lead to improved learning environments. Teachers and the school can benefit by having the knowledge of how technology and PD provided by the OETT grant enhanced instruction. Social changes that may occur due to the findings of this study include the school gaining a better understanding of the influence of technology in instruction on student learning and identifying tools that potentially increased teacher uses of the technologies purchased as well as teacher application of the knowledge gained in the PD provided through the grant.

<p>In this dissertation, I investigate the authentic learning experiences of students participating in the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program at Purdue University within the framework of authentic education. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the study assesses the performance of new and returning students across five key outcomes that measure authentic learning during a single semester. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant main effects for time of assessment and type of student on performance, with an overall improvement in all outcomes observed from mid-term to final evaluations and returning students typically outperforming new students. Interaction effects between time and type were also examined, revealing subtle yet complex dynamics in students’ learning trajectories. The findings hold implications for enhancing authentic learning, especially in engineering design contexts, and offer insights to guide future implementation of and improvements to authentic education initiatives, particularly the EPICS program. Despite certain limitations, the research opens avenues for future investigations into diverse aspects of authentic education in STEM and beyond.  </p>