“Practicum” refers to the time students undertaking initial teacher education programs spend in schools during their training. Its purpose is to enable the university and accredited teachers to assist student teachers to gain experience in translating educational theory into classroom practice. It is recognised as a vital component of teacher education. In 1998 the Australian Catholic University (ACU National) Melbourne campus, introduced the ‘extended practicum’ into their teacher education program. The extended practicum, undertaken by students in their final year, is significant to student learning as it enables them to spend an extended period of time with the same group of pupils. However, to date this program has not been formally evaluated. This study used qualitative methodology to investigate the effectiveness of the extended practicum in the Bachelor of Education course offered through the Trescowthick School of Education at ACU National Melbourne Campus. Literature pertaining to the development and current understandings of the practicum in teacher education and the partnership between the university and schools in managing the practicum was reviewed. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to gather data about the experiences and reflections of pre-service teachers, first year teachers, supervising teachers and university staff involved in the extended practicum. The data were analysed and key themes were identified and compared between groups. The findings suggested that while all stakeholders recognised the importance and value of the extended practicum in teacher education, their ideas about its major aims and strengths differed. A number of issues were identified that could improve the quality of the extended practicum and thus enhance the learning experience for pre-service teachers. These issues included preparation of the pre-service teachers, length and timing of the practicum, supervision and assessment of pre-service teachers during the practicum, professional development for supervising teachers and most importantly improved communication between the university and schools. Information from this study can inform the development of the extended practicum, and as a consequence, the total practical teaching program at ACU, (National), Melbourne. This will further support the ongoing relationships between the university and schools and teachers who support the program and who provide an improved learning opportunity for pre-service teachers.

Thesis (M. Health Science) -- Australian Catholic University, 2003. / A thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements of the Master of Health Science in Human Movement degree . Bibliography: p. 119-142. Also available in an electronic version via the internet.

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic University of America.

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic University of America. / Bibliography: p. 173-181.

Catholic universities across the United States are perceived as some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world. As communities of intellect and faith, they have been successful in educating generations of leaders in both the sacred and secular arenas. In the past forty years, they have also been subject to market forces which have forced a re-examination of their fundamental mission of the singular education of young men. Since the late 1960s these same institutions have admitted women undergraduate and graduate students and have seen an increase in the number of their women professors. Utilizing a qualitative research method, this study seeks to better ascertain the current milieu for women faculty members by examining issues of the experience of women scholars; institutional policies and practices which support of hinder the professional life of women faculty members; the role of scholarship, teaching, and service; the reltionship between women faculty members as a whole; and the articulation of the mission as it relates to diversity. Findings indicate that most university policies continue to favor the advancement of male faculty members; that the founding religious community exerts considerable influence over the programming of the university; that women faculty members engage in service but find their most significant intrinsic reward in the activity of teaching; that while most women faculty members cite the absence of a mentor for their own professional development, they find support in their relationships with other women faculty members on campus; and that women faculty members believe in the importance of the notion of diversity as a favorable attribute they rate particular and sincere outreach efforts as being ineffective.

Thesis (Ed.D.) -- Australian Catholic University, (2002). / "A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education. Bibliography: p. 279-293. Also available in an electronic format via the internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Catholic University of America. / Processed. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Bibliography: p. 135-137.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Boston University, 2001. / Abstract. Date on title page differs from degree date. Degree awarded, 2001. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-194).

No description available.

Thesis (S.T.L.)--Catholic University of America, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 165-169).